Italian Vino Novello was released onto the market officially at midnight on 6 November. Wine makers all over the country have been producing Vino Novello since it was legally recognised in 1987 and this year there will be more than 20 million bottles on sale.

This vivacious red wine has to be fermented in closed containers, have an alcoholic content of at least 11 and be bottled by 31 December in the year in which it is made. Vineyards all over Italy make Vino Novello but 60 per cent of the production comes from the north of the country. This year the quality of the wine is said to be high and the price has remained stable since last year, at between 2-6 per bottle.