Christmas is never complete without a glass of one's favourite wine or prosecco. Italy became the world's largest wine producer in the world in 2015 and today the 'Prosecco valley' in Italy makes millions. But this Christmas, there are apparently some dangers associated with sipping that Italian prosecco.
According to a report in The Daily Mail, locals in Veneto, Italy, said that a 'cocktail of pesticides is being sprayed on the vines' in order to keep up with the huge global demand. They have stated that these pesticides are causing conditions which are life-threatening from asthma to cancer. In fact, scientists have tested some of the wines in supermarkets and reportedly found these toxic ingredients in every glass of wine.
The Daily Mail reports that they sent proseccos from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Lidl and Marks & Spencer to be tested for toxic chemicals. The results showed that the pesticides used were less than the maximum legal limit set by European standards but they were still toxic and could harm people in the long-term. Reportedly, locals in the Prosecco Valley region have complained about respiratory problems, thyroid disorders and tumours as well.
What is prosecco?
Prosecco is a sparkling wine made in the Veneto region of Italy around the city of Treviso about 15 miles (24 km) North of Venice.
What is champagne or bubbly?
Champagne is a sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France around the city of Reims about 80 miles (130 km) Northeast of Paris.
Source: winefolly.com
Prosecco Valley in Italy makes around 400 million bottles a year most of which is for export. Britain is the biggest prosecco market in Europe with spends of around £356 million a year. Many people buy prosecco as it is cheaper than champagne but carcinogenic pesticides could now not just harm people but the prosecco market as well.
The world's top wine-producing countries in 2016:
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- United States
- Australia
- China
- Chile
- South Africa
- Argentina
- Germany
Source: OIV, October 2016
