Overview

• During a May 29 meeting on Abruzzo infrastructure, Salvini dismissed Tuscans as “annoying” when comparing Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
• Tuscan leaders including Antonio Mazzeo and Eugenio Giani condemned the remark as unworthy of a minister and lacking institutional propriety
• The Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano complained that Salvini’s comment demeaned the quality of Tuscan wine and strained regional cooperation
• Salvini defended the comment as friendly banter, citing his personal ties to Tuscany through his partner and daily consumption of its food and wine
• He proposed hosting both Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano producers at the Transport Ministry to promote the two regional wines