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The 22nd edition of “Radda nel Bicchiere” was a great success. The two splendid May days and the quality of the wine once again led to a huge crowd among the streets of the town.

Official numbers speak of a record amount of goblets sold (more than 1.800 in a day and a half), and the amount of visitors was even more. The organizers of the festival are extremely satisfied.

“I still remember the early editions which took place under the loggia of City Hall with just a few hundred people. Look how many there are now!,” says Alessandro Chellini, for years one of the main promoters of the event.

He adds with a smile: “Back then it was called “Prendi un bicchiere” and discover the magic of the wines of Radda in Chianti. We didn’t think that it would become an event that was a point of reference for all of Chianti Classico!”.

Of course, to arrive at these results, you need determination and dedication as well as the involvement of most of the town. “The efforts by the Pro Loco alone would not be sufficient. For this I can only thank all of the associations that participate with a special mention for the youth of Raddattiva, without whom we couldn’t have reached the efficiency of an organization that characterizes the event,” he adds.

But obviously, the real protagonists are the producers: 25 wineries from Radda shared their wine last weekend with the lucky visitors. Carleone is the new entry and this was their first official appearance.

Roberto Bianchi, owner of Valdellecorti, is very clear regarding this rich participation: “Radda is lucky to have a group of winegrowers who share a common line of intent. To participate here is one of those, because it represents one of the rare occasions where both growers and locals share the benefit. An event like this one benefits our territory decisively”.

His words seem to confirm the many people we meet, like Niccolò and Duccio from Siena, who tell us that this is their first visit, “but it certainly won’t be the last”.

Or like the fans, Alessandro and Marta who come from Montevarchi every year. “This is our fourth consecutive time, and we intend to continue for a long time!”.

Many also liked the choice of Valpolicella as a guest region. In fact, this year four Venetian wineries backed our local producers. The event certainly reaches beyond local borders.

Saturday morning, in fact, the seminar, “Radda e Valpolicella; geometrie a confronto” was held, by reservation only, and led by Eleonora Guerini, curator of the well known wine guide, “Gambero Rosso”.

The event ended as tradition calls for, with the awarding of the winners of the blind tasting contest in the following categories: “Il Tocco” 2015 for Colle Bereto for the Supertuscan, “Castelvecchi”, 2014 of Castelvecchi for the Chianti Classico, and “Caparsino” 2012 of Caparsa for the Chianti Classico Riserva.

Emanuele Grazzini

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