In reference to the recent debate on the changes introduced by the new Highway Code, the Consorzi di Tutela dei vini dell’Umbria sent a letter to Minister Salvini, to draw attention to the “media terrorism” that is penalizing “one of the symbols of Italian culture and tradition,” namely wine.
The Consortia’s request to Minister Salvini is that he promote a culture of responsible consumption, definitively specifying that in the new highway code none of the limits previously in force have been changed and that today it is still possible to consume wine in restaurants with special care.
This is the letter sent by the Consortia to the Minister:
To the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini
Dear Minister Matteo Salvini,
we have opened the year 2025 with the demonization of alcoholic beverages, including wines, on any communication channel: social, television, and print newspapers have unleashed a campaign of media terrorism on alcohol resulting in a reduction in wine consumption and a decline in sales that the wine market is suffering from.
Media terrorism
Since Ancient Rome, wine has been part of the diet for both the people and the aristocracy. Nowadays, we winemakers have found ourselves, first at the European level, struggling with laws stating that “wine is dangerous and carcinogenic,” and now with the new highway code provisions in Italy that, while strict and dutiful, are creating, due to a bad narrative, not a few problems for the wine market.
Concern about theabuse of alcohol consumption led to this DDL, however, penalizing a symbol of Italian culture and tradition, that of WINE. Given the ensuing media terrorism, we believe it is incumbent on the government to clarify theunchanged Highway Code limit (which has remained at 0.5g/l) by promoting a culture of moderate and responsible consumption.
Correct information
We request the government to disseminate guidelines of alcohol consumption and its disposal (e.g.: how many glasses of wine you can afford to drink at a restaurant, while also drinking water and eating properly, without exceeding the legal limit. Advice on how to organize at the restaurant: the driver does not drink while others are free to do so, getting used to the concept of taking home an unfinished bottle at the table, etc.). It would be important for the ministry to specify that none of the limits that were previously in effect have been changed in the new Highway Code.
Other countries in the world have long had similar measures in place: nevertheless, well communicated to the population they have not led to the demonization of moderate drinking-as is happening in Italy-but on the contrary have contributed to the spread of virtuous behavior based on responsible and moderate drinking.
In Italy today, the concept of not having to drink at all before driving is passing, which, in addition to being a major miscommunication, goes against the vast majority of consumers who have made moderate and responsible consumption their lifestyle, risking paving the way for excesses.
Indiscriminate attack on the world of wine
As wine producers, we understand that the attack on the world of wine is a consequence of difficulties in countering its abuse. We producers have been engaged for years in promoting the culture of wine based on moderate and conscious consumption, and we will continue our efforts in evaluating other avenues, such as the production of smaller bottles, such as 0.375-liter bottles to facilitate their consumption and sale in restaurants.
We close this letter by asking you for more understanding of the entire wine market and collaboration in the spread of conscious and moderate consumption of high quality wine that has always distinguished Italy.
ATS The Wine Consortia for Umbria
- Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco
- Consorzio Tutela Vini Orvieto
- Consorzio Tutela Vini Torgiano
- Trasimeno Wine Protection Consortium
