The Consorzio di Tutela del Prosecco DOC and Veneto Agricoltura have launched an experimental project, called AMPELOPROS, aimed at testing several grape varieties, both already grown in the Italian territory and new varieties resistant to the main vine diseases, in two areas in the territory of the denomination.
After the experimentation – in the presence of results that manage to ensure, on the one hand, the identity and peculiarities of the Denomination and, on the other hand, an advantage in terms of sustainability for the territory – the Production Chain, considering the principles underlying the recognition of a denomination of origin, will be able to assess whether or not to expand the ampelographic base of the production specification.
Nicola dell’Acqua, Director of Veneto Agricoltura
“Our agency is part of the Ampelopros project by providing many years of experience in viticultural and oenological experimentation conducted on fungal disease resistant varieties (PIWI) and native grape varieties. In particular, experimental vineyards will be planted in the pilot holdings of Veneto Agricoltura. Subsequently, with micro vinification and micro sparkling wine blending, the intention is to identify vine varieties potentially capable of integrating with the ampelographic base envisaged by the Prosecco DOC specification. Veneto Agricoltura will also have the role of training a specialised sensory analysis group to verify the typicality of Prosecco.”
Giancarlo Guidolin, president of the Prosecco DOC Consortium
“This agreement with Veneto Agricoltura represents a fundamental step for the enhancement and protection of the Prosecco DOC denomination in a context of climate change. Our mission is to support the Prosecco wine and wine sector with projects that can ensure competitiveness and sustainability. An international context such as Wine Paris,” the President concludes, ”represents the right opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Consortium and its entire Chain in creating synergies between science and business for the benefit of the territory and communities.
With the Paris fair, thanks to the discussion with the operators, it was possible to detect the first impressions for this new commercial campaign, both for the international and the French market, which, since 2018, has been growing every year in double digits. In fact, concludes the President, “the January bottlings started with a positive sign and from what we were able to observe, France greatly appreciates our product, particularly for its organoleptic-sensory profile marked by freshness and versatility.”
