Italy triumphed at the Spirits Selection of the Brussels World Competition with its grappas and gins, not forgetting bitters, liqueurs and a few vermouths. The Belpaese country won a total of 52 medals out of a total of 145 samples presented, thus reaching a percentage of 35%, against the general average of medals awarded which is 30-32%.
International jurors especially appreciated the aromatic complexity and smoothness of Italian grappas, awarding sixteen of them. A product, grappa, which is living a phase of rediscovery, even if much more appreciated abroad than in Italy, as experts point out.
"Grappas have made a good haul, and for years now they have been highly valued by palates all over the world - reflects Carlo Dugo, Spirits Selection ambassador for Italy - Yet in our country they struggle, in sales and tastings, this is the message that comes across when talking to those who produce them. On the other hand, abroad these precious spirits collect awards from international juries. A dichotomy that makes us think about the importance of focusing more and more on quality".
As for gin, the increase in consumption and domestic production corresponds to a growing interest at international level, linked to the undisputed quality and the wide range of botanicals. "Italy is raising the bar of attention on its products at an international level - concludes Dugo - and year after year it is proving to be able to compete with the sacred monsters of the world scene".
