EditorialSigned DoctorWine

Not just little brothers

Fratellini

In the past, “second wines” from the more established appellations were often referred to as the “little brothers” of the great wines. Today this is less and less true: in many cases the “little brother” is the wine that is more modern, more approachable, with more immediate drinkability and, of course, lower cost. All positive aspects, which explain why so many of these wines are experiencing a golden period.

How many times have you heard “it looks like a small Barolo” when talking about a Langhe Nebbiolo. The same thing for Rosso di Montalcino, for many Valpolicella Classico, for some Irpinia Aglianico and for Rosso di Montefalco. Little brothers of great wines, in short. But are we sure that this is still the case? Lately, just to give some figures, Langhe Nebbiolo has surpassed Barolo in the number of bottles produced, over 15 million.

Indeed, the big reds are not living a happy moment, high prices do the rest. However, there is also a sign of the times, a trend that is increasingly clear. If reds are being drunk, they will have to be more immediate and more “available” than in the past. The ” drinkability” has been a benchmark for years, but now it is linked to a more reasonable price.

Therefore, the “little brothers” are no longer so much “ini,” they are also the modern brothers, which appeal to a younger audience as well, who want to enjoy wines without too many frills, and especially without melting the credit card. Here, therefore, are new dedicated events being born, here are historic producers beginning to offer with conviction versions of those wines with far more attention than in the past. With obvious advantages on production costs and speed of sales, which with many wineries not exactly empty is an important aspect.

Will this be the future of quality wines? Who knows? It certainly is one of the possible futures, and that alone is good news. A more viable prospect at a really difficult time, and not only for the wine world.

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