The guide adopts a unique approach to evaluating wines, and stirs away from the point system, which some consider to be arbitrary numbers. Instead of focusing just on ranking the end product, like all other wine publications, Slow Wine evaluates many factors including the quality and type of wine, the wineries, value for money, as well as viticultural, environmental and sustainable practices. The purpose is to provide consumers with meaningful information on good value, and responsibly produced Italian wines. The book format is concise and easy to read. Future formats of the 343 page guide will include electronic versions and a smartphone app.
The guide uses three symbols to evaluate each winery (see graphics below):
– The Snail, the Slow Food symbol, signals a cellar that has distinguished itself through its interpretation of sensorial, territorial, environmental and personal values in harmony with the Slow Food philosophy.
– The Bottle, allocated to cellars that show a consistently high quality throughout their range of wines.
– The Coin, an indicator of great value.
Photo Credit: Luis Chong