Wine Wisdom 07-26
Better Together
The Power of the Wine Co-Op
In a world of Chateaus, Domaines, and Estates dominating our minds and directing our wallets, I wanted to shine a light on Wine Cooperatives (Co-ops).
These are wine businesses that are owned and operated by a collected group of grape growers, that produce and sell wines made from the grapes of their members. These business can range in size from a small facility servicing just one town, to massive enterprises that encompass an entire region!
Through democratic decision making these Co- operatives can produce wines that share in the groups core values and beliefs. They pool resources together to afford the highest quality equipment to make the best possible finished product. And many will offer members marketing, sales, and packaging services. It’s a fantastic model for smaller growers with exceptional fruit who otherwise would not be able to have their own winery due to their size.
This concept is not new either. In the Piedmont, the Co-op model has be used for over 100 years by some. Both Produttori del Barbaresco and Cantina Sociale Cooperativa di Gattinara have been making fantastic Nebbiolo based wines for over 100 years. And further south in Abruzzo and Sicily, Cantina Orsogna has grown into the largest Co-op of southern Italy, with a focus on organic and Biodynamic farming.
The best part is you can often find fantastic wines that are less expensive than neighboring estate producers! So next time to hear about a product being made by a Co-op, give it a shot. You’ll be happy you did.
2022, Cantina Sociale Cooperativa di Gattinara “Vino Rosso”:$26.99
2019, Produttori del Barbaresco:$52.99
2021, Luna Gaia “Chiaramontesi” Nero D’Avola:$21.99
2022, Lunaria “Coste di Moro” Montepulciano:$19.99
See ya at The Market
Vassie, The Wine Guy
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