Alessandro Nicodemi has been re-elected as the President of the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo (Consortium for the Protection of Abruzzo Wines). With his reappointment, Nicodemi is set to continue his efforts in strengthening the regional wine identity of Abruzzo while simultaneously promoting the unique characteristics of its diverse wine-growing areas.
Having first been elected in 2022, Nicodemi made history as the first private producer to hold the position of president. His leadership has been marked by a number of innovative initiatives aimed at increasing the recognition of Abruzzo wines on the international stage. Among the most notable achievements of his first term is the introduction of the “Abruzzo Model”, a groundbreaking approach that has simplified and enhanced the management of designations of origin and PGIs in Italy. This new model is not only more functional but also more effective in promoting Abruzzo wines abroad.
Under Nicodemi’s leadership, the Consortium has also seen significant growth in export numbers, with Abruzzo wine exports reaching a new high of €290 million in 2024, marking a remarkable 15.47% increase over 2023. This success comes as a result of his strategic focus on internationalization and his efforts to make the diverse excellence of Abruzzo’s wines better known globally. In addition to the well-known Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the region’s Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo and indigenous whites, such as Pecorino, are now receiving increasing attention on international markets.
Reflecting on his re-election, Nicodemi expressed his gratitude: “I want to thank all the members of the Board of Directors for their renewed trust. It is an honour for me to take on this very important role for the second time, and I am ready to approach it with the same commitment,” he said. “I am proud of what we have achieved so far, but I am very aware of the challenges ahead, especially considering the delicate historical moment the sector is facing.”
Nicodemi also emphasized his continued commitment to preserving and promoting the essence of Abruzzo’s native grape varieties. “My primary objective is to continue on the path we’ve started, further elevating the unique characteristics of Abruzzo’s grape varieties and working tirelessly to ensure our wines become ambassadors of the region across the globe,” he said. “I will always be guided by listening and open to all producers and territories.”
Born in 1972, Nicodemi has a degree in Economics and Commerce and a background in the Guardia di Finanza. In 1997, following the untimely passing of his father, he and his sister Elena took over Fattoria Bruno Nicodemi, a historic family winery that has been a key player in the Abruzzo wine scene since 1977. Under his leadership, the winery has continued to thrive, and Nicodemi himself has become a prominent figure in the world of Italian winemaking. He was awarded the prestigious Cangrande Medal in 2011 for his contributions to the development of Italian viticulture.
Joining Nicodemi in his renewed role are Vice Presidents Lorenzo Di Ciano (Cantina Tollo) and Domenico Mastrogiovanni (Bio Cantina Orsogna). The rest of the newly elected Board of Directors includes Nicola Paolucci(Rinascita Lancianese), Vincenzo Bucci (Vinicola Villese), Miki Antonucci (Progresso Agricolo), Domenico Pasetti(Pasetti), Katia Masci (Valle Martello), Franco D’Eusanio (Chiusa Grande), Dino D’Ercole (Citra), Carlo Di Campli Finore (Viticoltori del Mediterraneo), Nicola Dragani (San Zefferino), Robertino La Monaca (Novaripa), Albino Lanci (Colle Moro), and Gennaro Matarazzo (Roxan).
The Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo was founded in 2002 by decree of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to protect and promote the interests of Abruzzo wines. Today, it represents around 250 members and 6,000 winegrowers producing DOC and IGT wines. The Consortium safeguards key wines such as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC, Villamagna DOC, Controguerra DOC, and Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG. Starting with the 2024 vintage, all IGT wines will be grouped under the new IGT Terre d’Abruzzo label, which unifies the region’s IGT wines.
With Alessandro Nicodemi at the helm, the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo looks poised to continue its important work in safeguarding and promoting the exceptional wines of the Abruzzo region, both at home and on the global stage.