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 Vinisud is more than just a wine show – it embodies the quantum leap in quality that has occurred across the Mediterranean wine regions over the past few decades. The dynamic nature of the wine industry in these regions is reflected in the outstanding expansion of the show. From 400 exhibitors at the first event, Vinisud passed the 1,700 mark for the first time this year.
The 2016 event showed a surge in attendance by foreign exhibitors, numbering 270, compared with 224 when it was last held in 2014. France also has a strong presence, as evidenced by the stands of the major companies and sizeable institutional stands, including that of the Languedoc appellations and PGI wines, which was the largest ever collective stand built at Vinisud.
Visitor numbers were equally impressive. About 30,000 industry members, including a third being international visitors, were present to attend the Show from February 15 to 17. The enthusiasm and sales activity were tangible during the first day when the bustling aisles translated the level of visitor attendance.
 Vinisud owes its success not only to the wide array of wines on offer but also to the quality of its visitors with many of the world’s leading wine buyers present.
Innovation and responding to the needs of the trade were reflected in the dedicated wine areas – this year’s newly created Sparkling Zone attracted many visitors, as did the master classes. The revisited Palais Méditerranéen with its free-pour tasting of over 2,500 wines was also a high point.
Exclusively for professionals, this year’s exhibition brought together 1,707 exhibitors from the Mediterranean and professional buyers from across the globe.
 There were 1,437 exhibitors from the South of France, Languedoc, Roussillon, Provence, Rhône Valley, South West, Corsica and Bordeaux (guest region). According to the statistics released by the organizers, 270 exhibitors from wine-producing regions in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Algeria, Morocco, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria and Lebanon participated.
SHOWCASE FOR LEADING VINEYARDS
The Show accounts for more than 53% of world production and 63% global trade. Between 2010 and 2014, the Southern vineyards recorded spectacular performances, with a 59% rise in export revenue and significantly higher-priced wine exports. For instance, in 2014 the average price of a bottle of rosé rose by more than 28%.
 76% of global sales of rosé, which symbolizes the Mediterranean culture, are generated by the Mediterranean vineyards. The increased commercial success of rosé can be explained by its popularity among women and young people. Indians might not have taken the clue yet, but many of the Rose wines I tasted would be perfect for this group and other wine drinkers, even with Indian food.
DIVERSITY AND RICHNESS OF MEDITERRANEAN WINES
Faced with increasingly standardised production at global level, the Mediterranean vineyards are stepping up their initiatives to set themselves apart whilst at the same time adding value to their production: alongside the commercial success of rosé and sparkling wines, they have become influential trendsetters, as was amply demonstrated by the Show, some of the details of which I will be sharing in future articles in delWine.
It was also heartening to see that the show has been so popular and there had been such overwhelming demand from the producers as well as buyers that the show is going ‘Annual’ from next year-with the ‘first annual edition’- the 13th edition being on February 20-22, 2017.
Rakesh Awaghade
Rakesh Awaghade has over 7 years of experience in wine appreciation. He completed advanced studies in Hotel Management at Cromwell College and also took WEST courses. He opened the doors of Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Savoy Grill in Savoy Hotel and also worked in Cinnamon Club in London. He is currently in-charge of cellars of The Oberoi & The Trident Hotels in Gurgaon as a Resident Sommelier. Rakesh went on behalf of and to represent delWine to attend Vinisud 2016. |