The Veneto region of Northern Italy includes the dynamic and history-rich wine centres of Valpolicella and Prosecco: Valpolicella DOC and DOCG wines and Prosecco Superiore DOCG. In recent months and years, the two complementary regions have joined forces to invest resources in trade and media events across Western Canada. Now consumers across British Columbia are taking notice.
Recent sales statistics at BC Liquor Stores confirm growth in consumer demand for wines from both regions. Consistent with global trends that confirm sparkling wine is the hottest growth category, sales of Prosecco sparkling wines have risen 15% since April alone, and an impressive 22% from May 2015 to April 2016. A recent article from Business In Vancouver noted that sales of Italian sparkling wine in BC have increased 132.5% between 2011 and 2015, while the Prosecco category specifically has risen by 143% in that same period.
By contrast, sales of Valpolicella wines are on a more gradual curve, rising 3% from May 2015 to April 2016 at BC Liquor Stores, yet in recent months have increased by a dramatic 16%, on the heels of Italy as the featured country at the 2016 Vancouver International Wine Festival in February.
Last year, Italy surpassed France to become the world’s largest wine producer, according to the European Union. As of March 2015, Italian wine is second only to the USA in the value of imported wines to British Columbia, based on figures from the BCLDB.
BC wine lovers are purchasing these wines because they offer unbeatable value for money, with diverse flavour profiles that make them versatile with West Coast food pairings. Also, the two Veneto regions are embracing environmentally-sustainable wine-growing methods, which resonate strongly with British Columbians. These two regions are the ones to watch, becoming darlings on local wine lists as well.
Giulia Pussini, event & communication manager of Consorzio Tutela del Vino Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco, which represents producers from the Prosecco Superiore DOCG, says it’s easy to understand why British Columbians are buying more of these Veneto wines. “They are both wines of pleasure that offer something for everyone. Prosecco Superiore is so approachable and versatile that it is great as an aperitif or with light cuisine such as seafood, sushi, and other spicy foods. Valpolicella wines could easily be paired with Asian cuisine, beef tenderloin with white truffles and Parmigiano Reggiano fondue, porcini mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses.”
Olga Bussinello, director of Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella says “the wines of our two regions reflect the history, tradition, and innovation of the families and people who work there. It’s about passion. It’s about love. And that’s something that everyone can understand.”
Read more about the wines of Valpolicella and Prosecco Superiore and its rise in BC.
