国际英语资讯:Feature: Coronavirus is changing the way Italian winemakers operate_时事

国际英语资讯:Feature: Coronavirus is changing the way Italian winemakers operate

That report, published Thursday, came out a day after wine industry groups in Italy, France, and Spain -- Europe's three largest wine-producing countries -- formally asked the European Union for 350 million euros (380 million U.S. dollars) in aid to prevent small producers from going out of business during the outbreak.

Armando Spina, the owner of two wine shops in Rome, predicted the domestic wine market could be slow to recover even after the lockdown concludes. Spina's shops are closed to visitors, though he offers delivery services and he has discounted lower- and mid-tier wines to attract buyers.

"Many people are out of work and worried about money, and you can see it in their wine choices," Spina told Xinhua.

"A customer who under normal circumstances would pay for a Brunello di Montalcino will now choose the Rosso di Montalcino from the same producer," he said. "That will not change just because the lockdown is over."

Brunello di Montalcino is made from a winemaker's best grapes and the wine is aged in a winemakers cellar for more time in order to develop more complexity.

Spina, who predicted wine delivery will remain popular even after the lockdown, said he worries less about the high-end wine in his shops, as they will still find a market even if they spend an extra year or more aging in storage.

The last point was confirmed by Lene Bucelli from Biondi-Santi, one of Italy's most storied winemakers. Biondi-Santi created the Brunello di Montalcino designation in the 19th century.