Amarone on the Podium with Italian Cuisine and the Olympics

Amarone Opera Prima 2026 marked the conclusion of the 22nd edition of the event organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella, dedicated to presenting the new 2021 vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella and promoting this wine worldwide as a true symbol of Italian identity.

The event took place in Verona from January 30 to February 1, 2026, featuring institutional meetings and tastings open to the public.

The opening talk, titled “Amarone on the Podium with Italian Cuisine and the Olympics,” was held on January 31 at the Auditorium Riccardo Borghero of the Chamber of Commerce in Verona.

I had the great pleasure of meeting the three outstanding protagonists who shared both their professional journeys and personal stories:

• Maddalena Fossati, Director of La Cucina Italiana and a key figure in the candidacy of Italian cuisine as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• Deborah Compagnoni, multiple Olympic medalist and ambassador of the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, who brought the perspective of elite sport into the dialogue between gastronomy and major international events.

• Cristina Bowerman, Michelin-starred chef, who offered an international outlook on Italian haute cuisine exported to American and global tables.

  

  

At the heart of the discussion was the powerful connection between Amarone, Italian cuisine, and the 2026 Olympics—highlighting how Italy’s gastronomic and cultural excellence intertwines with global events to promote identity, territory, and tourism.

Tastings and Market Signals

Following the talk, the event continued with public tastings at the Gallerie Mercatali of Veronafiere, where Amarone and other Valpolicella wines were available for tasting until the closing party.

I leave this experience with a strong sense of confidence in the future. The signals are forward-looking and encouraging. The results presented tell the story of an Amarone increasingly focused on quality, territorial identity, and high-end positioning.

• Balance at the forefront: the new vintages show freshness, refined tannins, and greater drinkability, without compromising structure.

• Terroir as a central value: growing attention is being paid to subzones and interpretations linked to individual valleys.

• Premium international markets: Amarone confirms its status as an iconic wine, firmly positioned in fine dining and collectible segments.

• Dialogue with younger generations: communication is becoming more contemporary, while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.

  
  

At a time when red wine consumption is generally declining, Amarone demonstrates resilience. It is not a “volume wine”; it is a wine chosen consciously. And today, that distinction truly matters.

Our Vision

As a producer in Valpolicella, I strongly believe that the future of Amarone rests on three key words: identity, rigor, and elegance.

Identity means respecting historic vineyards and appassimento as a cultural heritage before it is a production technique.

Rigor means selection, patience, and courageous decisions.

Elegance means balance—power, yes, but always guided by finesse.

Events like Amarone Opera Prima remind us that we are not simply producing wine. We are safeguarding a symbol of Italian excellence in the world.

Amarone has never been a hurried wine. And perhaps for this very reason, it feels more contemporary than ever.

The future belongs to those who know how to wait. And in Valpolicella, patience has always been part of our character. 🍷