Sherry wins in Italy

[Craig Camp]

OSCAR FOR FOREIGN WINE 2003 AWARDED TO A SPANISH SHERRY

(AGI) - Rome, Italy, June 10 - The Spanish sherry, Pedro Ximenez - Emilio Hidalgo, imported into Italy by 'Vino & Design' has received the Italian Oscar for best for foreign wine; the annual prize awarded by the Italian Sommelier's Association.

The awarding of the 2003 Wine Oscars, which took place in Rome, was a sell-out, attended by international wine experts and buyers, but also people from the world of politics, culture and theatre.

The jury's Special Prize, this year went to Ezio Rivella, one of the greatest experts in the sector, who with his professionalism has made a decisive contribution to Italy's wine being considered the best in the world. Sixteen Oscars were awarded for as many categories, after the nominations by 19 000 "great electors": the readers of Duemilavini and Bibenda, visitors to the 37th Vinitaly and surfers of the www.bibenda.it web site.

The best white wine was the Collio Sauvignon Ronco delle Mele 2001 from Venica & Venica; the best red was the Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1995 by Giacomo Conterno; the best rosé was the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cerasuolo 2000 by Edoardo Valentini; the best spumante was the Franciacorta Cuvee Annamaria Clementi 1996 by Ca' del Bosco; the best sweet wine, the Alto Adige Gewurztraminer Vendemmia Tardiva Terminum 2001 by Cantine Termeno. The jury gave a further prize for the relationship between quality and price for the Franciacorta Saten Brut by Ricci Curbastro.

The Oscar for the best wine merchant's went to Enoteca Ferrara in Rome; for the best publicity campaign, to 'Gruppo Italiano Vini', for "The Best Seller"; for the best label to the Greco di Tufo 2001 by Feudi from San Gregorio. Finally the best sommelier 2003 was awarded to a woman, Patrizia Leonardi of Ristorante Poggio Antico in Montalcino; and best oenologist to Carlo Ferrini; best producer went to Donatella Cinelli Colombini – Casato was Best Woman of Montalcino, and best journalist went to Lamberto Sposini for the Tg5 television programme 'Gusto'. (AGI)

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