Sustainability Milestone Marks 150th Anniversary Of Martini Asti

After decades of pioneering the vineyards of northwest Italy, Martini, the world's leading Italian sparkling wine and vermouth from the Bacardi family, is proud to announce that all of its Asti grape suppliers are on track are to be certified sustainably in 2021, Business Wire reported.

The timing couldn't be better. As Bacardi celebrates this important milestone in sustainability, it is also celebrating its 150th anniversary since Martini & Rossi produced its first samples of "Moscato Spumante d'Asti" in 1871 to meet demand from customers around the world.

The Martini Santo Stefano Belbo winery, located in the heart of the Asti region and responsible for the production of 30% of all the grape must (grape juice) for Martini Asti, has recently been certified as sustainable by Equalitas. According to an audit by the certification body Valoritalia, Equalitas is the most comprehensive sustainability standard in Italian wine production. Of the remaining 70%, more than two-thirds of the grape must suppliers - cooperatives that represent hundreds of small winegrowers - have also been certified as sustainable by Equalitas, and the rest should be certified this year.

Coupled with the recent announcement that the 10 plants used to make Bombay Sapphire will be certified as sustainable in 2021, this news is another important step in achieving Bacardi's goal by 2025 to have 100% of its key ingredients from sustainably certified suppliers to acquire.

As early as 1987, Martini was a true pioneer in establishing a center for sustainable business practices called L'Osservatorio Martini - the Martini Observatory. Located in the heart of the region, L'Osservatorio Martini is run by a local agricultural expert in growing vineyards and has implemented many sustainability practices in the region. This ranges from advice on natural ways of pest control to integrated viticulture, which studies the balance of cultivation in the microclimate of the Asti region.

"There is a deep connection between Martini the land and the people - this is a solid foundation for producing quality wines," said Giorgio Castagnotti, Director of the Martini Operations Center in Pessione, Italy. “We have worked closely with the same farming communities for generations who grow the best Moscato grapes in the same beautiful hills - and have done so for 150 years - and want to do so for generations to come. So it always makes sense for us to support our winegrowers with our sustainability initiatives."

The steep, sun-drenched hills of Asti in the heart of the Italian region of Piedmont are the ideal growing environment for the Moscato Bianco grapes and have a DOCG designation, the highest quality level for Italian wines. Expertly harvested in late summer by more than 200 small winemakers - collectively known as Conferenti - the grapes are pressed quickly to capture the desired natural aromas in the fresh juice called “must”. Fermentation makes this mosto the basis of the delicate aromas of Martini Asti with notes of peach, sweet wild sage, fresh pear and pineapple.

Stefano Stefanucci, Director of Equalitas, said: “This is a great success for MARTINI. Equalitas only works with external auditors who are experts with deep knowledge of the wine sector and the certification process is holistic. Equalitas encompasses three pillars of sustainability - ecological, ethical and economic - and takes into account everything from a winery's carbon footprint and water consumption to fair business conditions for farmers and good social practices, including training and welfare."

Victoria Morris, Global VP Martini added, “Being a family business makes a real difference in the way Bacardi approaches sustainability. We are committed to doing what's right for the environment, for our suppliers and their communities in the long term. I am incredibly proud of Giorgio and his team. They are masters of their trade and have reached a new milestone in the long history of Martini. It's the perfect way to toast 150 years of MARTINI Asti!"

WEEKLY FEATURE : PAL READY TO SOAR WITH PANDEMIC