Regional Institute of Wine and Oil

Sparkling wine on the Nebrodi, first results

The sparkling wine on the Nebrodi. It is an experimental project that IRVO is carrying out and on which the first results will be announced on Tuesday 9 December. The “Nebrodi” project aims to study the potential of mountain areas for the production of sparkling wines.

In the mountain areas of the Nebrodi the vineyard was present to a greater extent until a few decades ago. This is demonstrated by the presence of small residual plots, used mainly for self-consumption, even at high altitudes, i.e. 800-1000 m. above sea level. In 2010, the project of the Regional Institute of Wines and Oils of Sicily began, which in the Messina area, in Ucria, decided to create an experimental vineyard at an altitude of 1200 m. above sea level. One of the "highest" vineyards in Sicily and Italy. Here, white varieties have been planted, mostly native, Catarratto for example, with which to produce sparkling wines with the classic method of high quality. In mountain areas, not intended for other agricultural activities, the vineyard can represent an alternative to maintain and continue production activity. The vineyard can also play an important role in defending the soil and territory. Sustainable cultivation techniques, with the aid of permanent grass cover, represent a barrier against erosive phenomena and facilitate soil conservation processes. If positioned on the edge of the woods, the vineyard represents a physical barrier against the risk deriving from fires. Last but not least, the greater demand for labor required for the cultivation of vines compared to other agricultural activities means that man is more present in the territory and indirectly plays a role of greater control.

The cultivation and breeding of vines in these environments is an example of the so-called "heroic viticulture"; its role is essential as an element of conservation of local culture, history and traditions and also in the management of territorial, environmental and landscape planning.

The meeting will be held at the Trattoria F.lli Borrello c.da Forte – Sinagra (ME)

Download poster