A challenge right to the last glass, surrounded by a profusion of wines with all their different strengths, aromas, and subtle shades. There has always been healthy competition between Italy and France, ensuring they are rivals at table all over the world. It will be in evidence again at this year’s Vinexpo , which takes place in Bordeaux from June 19^th to 23^rd.

Italian producers will be visiting the home of their main rival in the European arena, and for this event the Italian Trade Commission has chosen its delegation with care: an assortment of strong companies eager to display the very best of their production.

So what will we be able to sample on the Italian stands? Perhaps a flute of Franciacorta sparkling wine; or a so-called “conversation” wine from the vineyards of Ischia; or maybe a glass of Trebbiano, or Vermentino, or Ansonica.

For every wine, there is a different story to tell, new subtleties to be grasped, exciting possibilities for accompaniments with food.

There will certainly be no lack of choice for visitors and trade representatives visiting the Fair. Whether you like sparkling wines, dry wines, full-bodied reds, or those light fresh whites which are perfect for summer, the sheer variety of the Italian offering is guaranteed to provide something for every taste.

Even if Piedmont, home of such treasures as Barolo, Dolcetto d’Alba and Barbera is sure to trumpet its wares, there will be no lack of representation from the other Italian regions. Tuscany, for example, will be bringing its delicious Brunello di Montalcino, well-known and much loved abroad, as well as its Vernaccia, Nobile, and Chianti. From the Marche producers, there will be Passerina, a straw-coloured wine with intense flavour and sweet undertones, in addition to their Pecorino.

These are just a few examples of what you will be able to find on the stands of the Italian exhibitors at the Vinexpo event. They are undaunted by the prospect of competing with the French on their home ground: on the contrary, they look forward to establishing important new business links, and to spreading knowledge of themselves through a series of seminars.

Over the period of the Fair, a series of 16 meetings are due to be held, under the general title of “Wine meets Italy”. Visitors will be introduced to the wines drunk by the Caesars, the Popes, and the people of the Renaissance. There will also be discussion of the so-called “Opera” wines, based on the premise that wine is a sort of “Soul Food”, able to stimulate positive emotions and good humour. A final theme for debate will be the idea of the “Heritage of Humanity”, in relation to the wines produced in the wonderful countryside of the Val d’Orcia, Castel del Monte, and the Veronese region.

It looks as if all the elements are in place to ensure a resounding success: in the quality of the grapes tended with care in vineyards bathed in sunshine, in the traditional fermentation of the must after harvesting, and in the producers’ careful presentation of their wines.

The final proof, however, is in the goblet and the thousand beautiful reflections of colour it creates as the world’s favourite drink is gently poured into it.