In 2010, Italian Wine Masters took place at the same time as Vino 2010. For 2011 vintage Italian Wine Masters decided to stage separate events in the US.
Two dates, one in Miami on February 3rd and just around the corner, New York, on February 8.
For wine fans who are not part of the trade/media circle I thought I should start by explaining what Italian Wine Masters stands for.
It is a collaboration showcasing more than 100 producers from four prestigious Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (D.O.C.G.) wine-producing regions of Italy. The Consorzi Brunello di Montalcino, plus Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, not to forget Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore…
Main event is the Grand Tasting, main challenge is how much you can taste in 5 hours even with the help of the spit bucket.
I signed up too late to get a seat at one of the master classes, "The Different Styles of Conegliano Valdobbiadene" and "The Waiting Game: Age-worthy Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano."
Vintages on offer will be the 2006 Brunello di Montalcino and 2005 Brunello Riserva, the 2008 and 2009 Chianti Classico and 2006 and 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva, the 2007 and 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the 2006 and 2007 Vino Nobile Riserva, selection from Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore.
The Italian Wine Masters 2011 event in New York is obviously a selection of what each wine region has to offer.
In the case of Chianti Classico, "The Black Rooster’s traditional meeting with the wine press and trade is slated for February 15 and 16 at the Stazione Leopoldo in Florence. There will be 152 wineries present, for a total of 400 labels."
2 hard days of work.