|
|
The Sicilian winegrowers' cooperative Cantine Ermes from Trapani has bought the brand and cellar buildings of Cantina Sociale di Canneto in the Oltrepò Pavese winegrowing region in a forced auction. The company had filed for insolvency in 2021 after being involved in a fraud scandal involving counterfeit DOP and IGP wines. Ermes won the auction with a bid of just over two million euros, starting from a base bid of 1.4 million euros. They thus prevailed over the Terre d'Oltrepò group. Cantine Ermes already produces wine in five Italian regions and has an annual turnover of 130 million euros. The co-operative has more than 2,500 members who cultivate 13,600 hectares.
The latest takeover shows the great interest of the Italian wine world in Oltrepò Pavese. Several well-known producers, including Berlucchi (Franciacorta), Masi and Tommasi (Valpolicella), have invested there in recent years, particularly in sparkling wine production. Oltrepò Pavese stands for excellent Metodo Classico made from Pinot Noir.
(ru / Winenews)