Jan. 30 – Tuscan wine convince the world, as large brands and emerging consortia lead the way on world markets, with a total export turnover increase of 46% over the past five years and a value of foreign trade in 2013 that, according to Tuscany Promotion (the regional agency that supports companies and creates business opportunities in the world), is expected to exceed € 743 million (+6 %). Leading the way are PDO wines with over €503 million in sales and an export turnover double that of Veneto and Piedmont, respectively second and third in the ranking for Italian red wine sales abroad 2013. In Asia, Tuscany’s red wines showed a 17.8% increase in sales (China 37.5 %, Hong Kong27.5%, and Japan +9.9%). “Winemakers in recent years have had the opportunity to choose whether to relax in the comfort of their successes or put themselves back into the game and increase even more their popularity abroad,” said the Regional Councilor for Agriculture, Gianni Salvadori, adding: ” today almost 95% of our wine production is labeled as PDO or PGI, whereas the national average stands at 75%. We also produce five times less than the rest. This is the result of a team effort in which the big brands play next to the emerging consortia.” These include Carmignano, Bolgheri, Elba, Val di Cornia, Montecucco, Morellino di Scansano, Cortona, Chianti, Chianti Colli senesi, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Rufina, Valdarno di Sopra, and Terratico di Bibbona. They will attend the fourth edition of the international workshop Buy Wine, to be held in Florence February 15-17.
