Italian Representation in Paris celebrates 100 years of the OIV

(ANSA) - PARIGI, 26 GIU - To mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), the Permanent Representation of Italy to the International Organisations in Paris today organised a conference entitled 'History of Wine Cultivation: from Innovation on Earth to Lunar Terroir'.
    On the occasion, Ambassador Luca Sabbatucci, Italian Permanent Representative in Paris, recalled the importance of the wine sector for Italy and the relevance of the OIV: "Italy follows the OIV's activities with great attention, as they have a substantial and direct impact on a sector that is strategic for us. This is also why we hosted a ministerial meeting with OIV partners last April, close to Vinitaly". For the Italian high diplomat, wine "is much more than a product, it is the synthesis of experience, passion and tradition: the immediate example of that soft power that distinguishes us in the world".
    The top management of the OIV, President Luigi Moio and Director General John Barker, were invited to the event. Italy, a founding country of the organisation, is among the OIV's major contributors and plays a leading role in it. With a national vineyard of 720,000 hectares, the Peninsula has in fact maintained its position as the largest producer of wine over the last 10 years, with an average production of 48 million hectolitres, representing 18% of world wine production, worth 7.7 billion euros.