The Italian Sommelier Association was founded on 7 July 1965. In 2014, after almost 50 years of history, the publishing project "Vitae" was born, which includes the new quarterly magazine and the Guide to the Best Wines of Italy published by the Association.
The most important prize awarded by this guide is the 4 Viti AIS. In addition to this, region by region, the 22 labels that best represent their territory receive the prestigious "Tastevin", the best Italian wines capable of expressing a strong territorial identity, and the best of biodiversity awarded by Ais Sommeliers, the Italian Sommelier Association.
Obtaining the 4 Viti AIS is a recognition of great importance for a winery, just think that in 2021, 2014 wineries were reviewed after almost 30,000 wines, all tasted strictly blind. Of these labels, only 694 wines received the 4 Viti AIS, the maximum score.
In the 2021 edition, 3 priwineries were awarded the 4 Viti AIS:
- Sfursat di Valtellina Fruttaio Ca’ Rizzieri 2017 - Aldo Rainoldi
- Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo Piè Delle Vigne 2018 - Cataldi Madonna
- Giulia Erminia 2018 - Fiorano
In previous editions there have been many more, including a Tastevin for Colli Cerentino and 7 appearances out of 7 editions for Casa Vinicola Aldo Rainoldi:
- Colli Cerentino
- Aglianico del Vulture Masqito Gold 2014
- Aglianico del Vulture Masqito Gold 2013 + Tastevin
- Aglianico del Vulture Masqito Gold 2012
- Aglianico del Vulture Masqito Gold 2011
- Aglianico del Vulture Masqito Gold 2008
- Casa Vinicola Aldo Rainoldi
- Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva 2015
- Sfursat di Valtellina Fruttaio Ca’ Rizzieri 2015
- Sfursat di Valtellina Fruttaio Ca’ Rizzieri 2013
- Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva 2010
- Sfursat di Valtellina Fruttaio Ca’ Rizzieri 2011
- Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva 2009
- Azienda Agricola Palari
- Faro Palari 2015
- Faro Palari 2014
- Cataldi Madonna
- Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo Piè Delle Vigne 2016
- Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo Piè Delle Vigne 2015
- Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo Piè Delle Vigne 2014
- Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Tonì 2012
- Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo Piè Delle Vigne 2012
- Letrari
- Trento Brut Riserva del Fondatore 976 2008
- Trento Brut Riserva 2010
- Trento Brut Riserva del Fondatore 976 2005
- Trento Brut Riserva del Fondatore 976 2004
- Falkenstein
- Alto Adige Val Venosta Riesling 2016
- Alto Adige Val Venosta Riesling 2015
- Serafini & Vidotto
- Montello Colli Asolani Rosso il Rosso dell'Abazia 2011