Costa Cruises and La Banca del Vino have launched a new wine list onboard. To develop the wine list, the cruise line partnered with the Italian company "Wine Bank" founded by Carlo Petrini, chairman of Slow Food International.
The wine list, which is now available fleetwide, includes selections from Italy's 19 regions and other countries including Australia, France, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the United States. With over 100 carefully chosen labels from the most respected wineries from those countries, the list also offers a selection of sustainable and organic wines. In addition, the menu includes many DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) wines that hold these prestigious certifications based on being crafted in specific geographical regions with the highest quality in winemaking standards.
The wine list is divided into four categories, distinguishable by symbols next to each wine. Guests may choose between sustainable wines, organic wines, territory-specific wines and wines that have been paired with specific Italian regional dishes.
The new wine list is another layer of Costa's "Italy's Finest" initiative, in which the line has revamped its culinary and entertainment offerings by bringing the best Italian brands to sea. That includes new regional and gala night menus by Michelin-star chefs Fabio Cucchelli and Bruno Barbieri, and partnerships with leading Italian brands like Barilla, Illy Caffé, Nutella and Ferrari sparkling wines.
Costa Cruises is an Italian company that is part of Carnival Corporation. Currently the Costa fleet has 15 ships in service, all flying the Italian flag. Two new latest generation vessels are expected in 2019 and 2021.
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