Michele Zanardo Reappointed as President of Italy’s DOP and IGP Wines Committee

Michele Zanardo, a professor of oenology and expert in wine law at the University of Padua, has been reappointed as president of Italy's National Committee for DOP and IGP Wines. Zanardo, an independent oenologist, will resume leadership of this advisory body for a three-year term starting next year. The appointment was formalized by Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, who emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening the wine sector through production regulations vital for ensuring the quality and presence of Italian wines in global markets.

Zanardo's experience with the committee dates back to 2008 when he first joined as vice president, a role he held until his initial appointment as president in 2018. He led the committee until 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that posed significant challenges to the global wine industry. Under Zanardo's leadership, the committee worked to mitigate the economic impacts threatening the sector. According to the Vinitaly-Nomisma Wine Monitor report, Italian wine exports in 2020 saw a 4.6% decline compared to 2019, a relatively moderate drop compared to the global decrease of 10.5%. After completing his first term as president, Zanardo continued to serve as vice president from 2021 to 2024 under the leadership of Professor Attilio Scienza, a leading vine genetics expert and chief scientist at the Vinitaly International Academy.

The National Committee for DOP and IGP Wines is tasked with protecting and promoting Italian wines that hold Denominazione d'Origine Protetta (DOP) and Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) statuses. These certifications ensure the quality and geographic origin of the wines, playing a key role in maintaining Italy's global reputation as a major wine producer. The committee develops regulations that define production standards and product traceability, critical elements for differentiating Italian wines in competitive international markets.

During the announcement, Minister Lollobrigida highlighted the significance of wine as a symbol of Italy's agricultural heritage and its role in the national economy. He emphasized the importance of investing in the extraordinary potential of Italian wines, which are recognized for their identity, innovation, and strong global appeal, particularly in Europe and beyond.

Alongside Zanardo, new committee members have been appointed. Representing the Ministry of Agriculture are Pietro Gasparri, Andrea Rossi, and Piero Amorese. Gabriele Castelli and Paolo Castelletti, secretary general of the Unione Italiana Vini, will represent the wine industry.

Zanardo's reappointment reflects the need for experienced leadership to guide the Italian wine sector in the coming years, a cornerstone of the country's agricultural economy. Managing protected designations of origin and implementing updated regulations will be essential to strengthening Italian wines' position in international markets and ensuring their competitiveness. The committee, comprising government representatives, industry leaders, and experts, will continue to safeguard quality standards and promote DOP and IGP-certified wines.

Italy's wine industry, which produced 43.9 million hectoliters in 2023 according to the Italian Institute for Agricultural and Food Market Services (ISMEA), remains central to the nation's economy. Italian wine exports play a key role in foreign trade, with strong market presence in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Zanardo begins this new term with the objective of enhancing the prestige of Italian wines amid economic recovery, climate change, and evolving consumer demands. The committee's focus will be on ensuring that protected designations remain relevant while adapting to sustainability and innovation, two defining aspects of today's wine market.