Prowein was held from March 17 to 19 in Düsseldorf, Germany. One of the year’s most important events featured, as expected, the participation of producers, importers, agents and other wine-sector professionals from all over the world. And the fact is that this fair is circled in red in many calendars, including those of Asians, who come to Germany to catch up with the latest. This year was also Prowein’s 25th anniversary, which reflects the interest generated by the event during this time and its consolidated success.
One of the fair’s highlights was the presentation by Tim Atkin, a MW specialising in Chile and South Africa. His very interesting explanation featured an in-depth look at this South American country’s most representative wines, the special characteristics that set them apart and their advantages in relation to wine-making production.
Oregon was also a pleasant surprise; it has a recent Master of Wine who was in charge of leading the tasting. This part of the USA is very similar to Galicia as regards vegetation –green and leafy– and features high-altitude terrain. They also work with the Albariño grape variety.
I was also able to attend a tasting of Shiraz’s Australian wines, a fine range in which you could perceive the diversity of soils.
Naturally, Prowein also featured the presence of important Galician wines, including a small group of “colleiteiros” (harvesters) with their own stand to present their latest wines. As is logical, they have great interest in extending their market abroad, which would enable them to increase their production and the profit margin of their brands. In my opinion, they were in the right place.
As a final thought, I would like to highlight the special character of Italians, who even make room for the dolce vita at work. Their passion for food and wine is renowned and this includes the work in the vineyard and in the winery. Because there is more to life than suffering and working… So let’s enjoy ourselves and raise a glass. Don’t you agree?