Italy, Land of Wine

ICCJ and Ideazione will hold the third edition of “Italy land of wine: the excellencies of Slow Wine and of the wines of Piemonte”.
Also this year, the walk-around tasting workshop will feature more than 40 wine makers presenting over 100 wines.
In addition to the tasting session, practical seminars by Italian wine experts will be held.

The event is open to all wine-related professional and journalists.

Official website: italylandofwine.wordpress.com

Pre-registration is here: https://goo.gl/zFCpG5

Here is an interview to top sommelier Kazuo Naito, who will hold the technical seminars during the day.Q What made you want to become a sommelier?
A: I entered the world of food service because I wanted to become a chef, however, while helping as a waiter, I ended up with a growing interest in wine. Later, of course, I realized about the existence of a large number of culinary cultures around the world: wine is also part of these cultures and for this reason I decided to deepen my knowledge about it.

Q Do you think that wine culture in Japan is sufficiently widespread?
A: I think so. Unlike in the past, for example, today one can buy wine at stands or little shops at train stations. Moreover, I think that the greater creativity that nowadays people show when they cook at home can stimulate wine consumption.

Furthermore, the interest in Japanese wine specifically is growing, thanks to the growing attention on products that are consumed and produced locally.

Q What do you think about the current wine market?
A: Sales of affordable wine from Chile has grown. This reflects the new at-home-consumption model by Japanese people, who do not necessarily only drink wine in restaurants.

As for higher-priced wines, France is still at the top, and the consumer taste is much different from the American market.

Q: How do Japanese consumers perceive Italian wine?
A: They are overwhelmed by the huge variety of grapes qualities and regions of provenience. They are happy to get to know more about Italian wine, but learning all of the information needed requires time and perseverance. Besides, it is a common perception that Italy, from North to South, cannot be easily appreciated without taking into consideration its touristic attractions and its character.

Q: Can you suggest us a dish that can be easily prepared in Japan and matches well with the wines of Piedmont?
A: The most famous dish from Piedmont in Japan is Bagnacauda: in every Italian restaurant it will be on the menu. It is not necessarily eaten during particular seasons or events, it is just a very popular meal among Japanese people, who love eating raw vegetables. In addition, everybody knows the Alba’s truffles.

Japanese people love pasta and risotto; however, it would be great if more recipes from Piedmont became popular in Japan.

Q: What is the secret for succeding as a winery in Japan? 
A: Japanese people are very curious and open toward other cultures. However, they need to decide among a vast array of wineries around the world and, regardless of the taste of the wine, their judgment will also be based on the information that they can find about the place of origin and the type of grape. In order to make people achieve wider knowledge, it is necessary – I never tell it enough – to promote your product for years, with constancy.

Q: What would you suggest to wineries from Piedmont who want to sell their product to Japan? 
A: In Japan, my country, many events revolve around wine, but my advice is to take part in those events that focus on Italian wine specifically, one notable example being this one.