Arrivederci 2024, Benvenuto 2025!

Another year has flown by and not only we delivered on the promises made in 2024 by adding new producers and new products, but we also grown our team, and are brimming with plans for the year ahead.

2024 has brought significant hurdles for our Italian producers. Climate change continues to cast a long shadow, with Italy experiencing a year of scarce rainfall. Sicily, in particular, hasn't seen a decent downpour since May 2023, and scorching summer temperatures soared to and above 45°C resulting in a halved production, but there's a silver lining – the quality of both wine and olive oil was exceptional.

And producers are adapting to this new reality. I encountered a winery that has planted vineyards at a staggering 1,000 meters above sea level; unthinkable only a few years ago. The downside is that at this altitude there isn’t much land, it is mainly rocks. With that in mind, we are looking at ways to reduce our environmental footprint even more.

What does 2025 look like for Italyabroad.com? We plan to introduce several new wineries to our portfolio, having already tasted their wines only waiting for the new vintages to be released. Additionally, we aim to add to our selection of olive oils a couple of new producers from regions not yet in our range, the diversity of Italian olive varieties produces unique flavours. Moreover, we’re committed to expanding our food range with high-quality, handcrafted, healthy products. 2025 is set to be a year of exciting opportunities and growth.

This year, I haven't stumbled upon any articles discussing wine trends, so I'll make my own –whether these become trends or simply wishful thinking - 2025 is the year I dream of finally saying goodbye to overly concentrated, unpleasant, undrinkable appassimento wines.

My picks for 2025 are:

• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo : Yes, I admit a touch of bias here, but when properly cultivated, this grape produces remarkable wines.
• Aglianico : Another powerhouse grape capable of yielding stunning results.
• Trebbiano d'Abruzzo : Yet another gem from my region, a grape that has the potential for exceptional white wines.
• Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo : Lastly, again from Abruzzo, this versatile rosé might just be one of the most food-friendly around.

I know, 3 out of 4 wines are from my region, but what’s wrong with that if the wines are truly great? I hope wine lovers will forget of the cheap and poorly made Montepulciano and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo available 20 years ago and give the grapes and the wines a chance to redeem themselves. You won't be disappointed.

2024 was our busiest year yet, and for that, we extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who trusted us with your Italian shopping needs. On this positive note, let's bid farewell to 2024 and embrace 2025 with open arms. May the year ahead bring joy, health, and success to all, however you define it!

Buon anno a tutti