Marilisa Allegrini: Japan is a ‘benchmark’ for Amarone exports

Japan is fast becoming a “benchmark for exports” of Amarone, according to the chief executive of Italian estate Allegrini.

Marilisa Allegrini and chef Carlo Cracco.

The Amarone producer’s CEO, Marilisa Allegrini, told an audience at trade show Vinitaly that producers should use wine as a “bridge between cultures” to open up Asian markets.

“We have to open ourselves to the world and to its differences, as a means of enriching ourselves and our customers, especially at a difficult time like this for our country,” she said.

The Allegrini Group dedicated their 2019 Vinitaly exhibition to Japan, a country the Amarone boss said has plenty of growth potential for the business.

Japan, she said, “is a country that has a different culinary tradition to ours but also many similarities.”

“While other markets are experiencing a moment of hiatus, Japan represents a benchmark for our exports, which now reach over 80 countries across the world. It responds well to our wines and gives us hope for further expansion.”

Villa Della Torre Allegrini, the company’s representative headquarters and venue, was given a makeover for the trade event’s gala dinner, featuring cherry blossoms and Japanese motifs, alongside a performance from traditional percussionist Masayuki Sakamoto.