Intra Vino Besuche Prowein 2024

The ProWein event in Düsseldorf, which took place from March 10-12, hosted around 47,000 trade visitors from 135 countries and 5,400 exhibitors from 65 nations. Despite a rail strike affecting the last day’s turnout, the event showcased remarkable resilience and enthusiasm. Peter Schmitz, ProWein’s Director, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “For those keen on the future of industry trends, ProWein is the place to be. It’s where the latest trends are showcased through Trendshows, Special Shows, and Forums, which is crucial for trade buyers from the sectors of retail, hospitality, and food service.”

Alex Kitts, Director of Intra Vino, was among the attendees. He engaged with numerous producers eager to penetrate the Ontario market and sought new additions for the company’s expanding portfolio. The event also provided a chance for the team to reconnect with wineries they represent and discover their latest offerings.

The Panagitopoulous Wines’ 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon stood out remarkably. Dimitris Panagiotopoulos surpassed expectations with this exceptional rendition of an old-world Cabernet Sauvignon. Previously, Dimitris had spent several years honing his craft at a local winery, enjoying the winemaking process and gaining invaluable experience. Yet, as an employee, he was unable to create wines that aligned with his personal vision.

In 1982, Dimitris and his father, a seasoned winegrower, set out to realize their dream. They gathered a dedicated team, each member bringing their own expertise and knowledge to achieve their collective vision.

By the time the 2005 vine harvest approached, they had established their own winery, poised to welcome the inaugural batch of grapes and the first visitors. The journey had begun.

Dimitris’s extensive experience in winemaking enables him to infuse his passion for viticulture and oenology into every bottle. His dedication to quality and his meticulous nature allow him to craft wines that truly reflect their origin, looking towards the future with optimism.

Peter Schmitz, Director of ProWein. “What’s more, whoever is interested tomorrow’s trends should visit ProWein today. Here the current industry trends are picked up on in Trendshows, Special Shows or Forums. This is of paramount importance to the trade buyers from retail, hospitality and food service.” One of the secrets to ProWein’s success – alongside its consistent orientation towards trade visitors – is its forward thinking and proactive development of market-driven formats.

ProWein is thus continuing its unique 30-year success story: launched in 1994 with 321 exhibitors on just 2,300 square meters of exhibit space in almost two exhibition halls and 1,517 visitors, next year it will once again impressively underline its market relevance with around 71,000 square meters in 13 exhibition halls.

“We are proud and happy that ProWein has developed into the most relevant international specialist wine trade fair thereby making the wine-growing country Germany the center of the international wine-experts’ universe for three days every year. Even after 30 years, ProWein still manages to inspire wine experts with new and exciting topics,” added Monika Reule, Managing Director of the German Wine Institute (DWI).

Celebrating Black History Month with Black Grapes

On Frebruary 21st, 2024 Intra Vino had the opportunity to showcase our portfolio at Black Grapes Wine and Food Expo which took place at the Fort York National Historic Site in Downtown Toronto.

There were over 500 attendees from all backgrounds participating in the second edition of this festival hosted by Sommelier, T.V. personality and Founder of Spice Food & Wine Group Beverly Crandon. She curated a wonderful nite of good vibes, Wine, Food, Art and celebrating the work of BIPOC people in the wine & hospitality industry.

This was an engaging walk around tasting. There was ample time to delve deep into different wine styles and expressions of grapes with a hand from the black community. We enjoyed Caribbean bites from Flavours of Guyana and more.

We were happy to share wines from producers such as Kranemann Wine Estates, Aleavini Wines, Filia Ghi Estate, Semeli Estate and Tortoise Creek.

We were honoured to be a part of an event spotlighting the talents and contributions of black individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world of wine. From winemakers and sommeliers to vineyard owners and industry leaders, their voices echo through the clinking of glasses and the pouring of fine wines.

Superb Sparkilng from Penedes

Robert de Nola Cava from Penedes, Spain

Reviewed by Michael Godel, David Lawrason, and John Szabo M.S.  from Wine Align

Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain that is made using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. It is mainly produced in the Penedes region of Catalonia, where the climate and soil are ideal for growing grapes such as macabeo, xarel-lo, and parellada. Cava can range from dry to sweet, and from white to rosé, depending on the grape varieties and dosage used.

One of the most renowned producers of cava is Robert de Nola, a family-owned winery that dates back to 1898. Robert de Nola cava is made with organic grapes and aged for a minimum of 15 months on the lees, resulting in a complex and elegant wine that expresses the terroir of Penedes. Robert de Nola cava has won several awards and accolades, including 90+ points from Wine Align. The Wine Align team had the opportunity to taste the Robert de Nola Brut Nature NV, a dry and crisp cava that showcases the freshness and minerality of the Penedes region. Here are their impressions:

Michael Godel: "A very fine example of cava that delivers on all fronts: aromas, flavours, texture, and balance. The nose is inviting with notes of apple, pear, citrus, almond, and biscuit. The palate is lively and refreshing with fine bubbles and a long finish. A versatile wine that can pair with a variety of dishes or be enjoyed on its own."

David Lawrason: "This is a classy and refined cava that impresses with its purity and complexity. The nose is subtle but expressive with hints of white flowers, lemon zest, honey, and toast. The palate is dry and crisp with a creamy mousse and a mineral-driven finish. A great value for a high-quality sparkling wine."

John Szabo MS: "This is a superb cava that demonstrates the potential of the Penedes region for producing world-class sparkling wines. The nose is complex and enticing with aromas of green apple, peach, apricot, brioche, and hazelnut. The palate is dry and elegant with a fine balance between fruit, acidity, and autolysis. A long and satisfying finish that leaves you wanting more."

This wine is available for purchase from our website https://www.intravino.ca/product-page/cava-robert-de-nola-brut-nature This a beautiful and complex Cava that is a great complimnet to any festive gathering during the holiday season.