Modigliana’s Winemakers Honored at Vinitaly: A Testament to Resilience and Excellence

At the 56th Vinitaly in Verona, the winemakers of the “Modigliana, Stella dell’Appennino” association received the Angelo Betti award, named after the Vinitaly founder. In the presence of regional agricultural ministers from across Italy, the association was lauded as a “pillar of Italian viticulture,” an accolade presented by Veronafiere Spa’s president, Federico Bricolo, and CEO, Maurizio Danese. The ceremony, held on April 14th, celebrated the Emilia-Romagna region’s contribution to Italian winemaking. Joining the Modigliana vintners were Emilia-Romagna’s Regional Minister for Agricultural Policies, Alessio Mammi, and Modigliana’s mayor, Jader Dardi. Mammi commended the winemakers’ unwavering spirit, stating that their resilience in the face of the devastating May 2023 floods served as an inspiring example for the entire region. Dardi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the community’s strength and determination to secure a prosperous future for generations to come. Francesco Bordini, president of the association and wine producer at Villa Papiano, highlighted the need for a reassessment of the agricultural model in the Apennine region, emphasizing the high costs and intensive labor involved in cultivating their exceptional wines. He stressed the unique value of their artisan approach, which crafts “fine wines” celebrated globally, despite the challenges. Giorgio Melandri, a fellow producer and organizer of the Stella annual event, underscored the group’s commitment to excellence, attributing their success to the recognition they’ve gained in international markets. Their dedication has enabled them to face the recent devastation with renewed resolve. The wines of this Apennine region are renowned for their distinct characteristics: savory, austere, refreshingly crisp, elegant, and age-worthy. These qualities are particularly prominent in the Sangiovese, though the white varieties also demonstrate exceptional originality and longevity. The Modigliana sub-zone’s unique terroir, characterized by loose, sandy soils derived from marls and sandstones—a unique feature in Romagna—contributes to the wines’ spicy elegance and finely textured tannins. The high altitude and abundant surrounding woodland significantly influence the climate, promoting considerable diurnal temperature variation.