The new war on wine comes from Dublin. Ireland has obtained from the European Commission (despite the contrary opinion of the European Parliament) the authorization to insert on the labels of alcoholic beverages the writing that we are now accustomed to reading on cigarette packets: "health warning", or seriously damaging to health .
The news with formidable timing rebounded last Saturday in Naples during the Assoenologi Italia conference on the theme "Wine and Health, between nutrition and well-being". At the symposium, in addition to scholars, researchers, food specialists and representatives of the most important international wine organizations, also the ministers Orazio Schillaci (Health) and Francesco Lollobrigida (Agriculture). The defense of an Italian excellence, fundamental to the Mediterranean diet, was unanimous, while criticism of the superficial and hasty way of demonizing Italian wine was not spared.
The national president of Assoenologi, Riccardo Cotarella, speaks of «a shameful situation and a direct affront to the symbolic product of our country. But Italian wine is strong and will emerge victorious even from this latest attack». Luigi Moio, at the head of the prestigious International Organization of Vine and Wine, calls for an effective «protection strategy to be adopted for the integrity of the wine: it is necessary to respond to scientific data with equal scientific evidence and a great deal of reasonableness. Wine has all the cards in hand to take this road».
So is the president of Assoenologi Sardegna, Mariano Murru : «It has now been scientifically established that moderate consumption of wine associated with a healthy Mediterranean diet and a correct lifestyle has a positive effect on our physical and psychological health», explained Murru. «Wine has always been a source of conviviality and joy; the essential point is moderate and intelligent consumption which in the traditionally producing and consuming countries of Southern Europe by tradition and habit generally takes place in a correct, moderate and careful manner. Wine is tasted and tasted - he added - with pleasure and attention to get to know its characteristics, the grape variety, the territory, the producers, the winegrowers and the oenologists who made it, it is not drunk for the simple reason of introducing alcohol into the 'body". Murru then concluded by hoping for "an important work of prevention and education on drinking which would undoubtedly be more effective than labels with demonizing phrases". Finally Giorgio Calabrese, dietician and president of the Ministry of Health's national food safety committee: «Moderate consumption of wine has a positive impact on type 2 diabetes, has a vaso-relaxing effect and decreases the risk of dementia by 5 times compared to abstainers senile".