Fleurtai, Soreli and Tocai Friulano: perspectives for quality integration of wine together with protection of the DOCG Lison Classico appellation

Abstract

Context and purpose of the study – In modern viticulture, sustainability must be considered not only into the winery, but in the vineyard as well, being that with the most attentive interventions in order to protect the environment. In this context, the new “fungi resistant” varieties represent a valid option for reducing the negative environmental impact of agrochemicals used in viticulture, including those ones used in organic farming (given the copper accumulation into soils). Several application studies have demonstrated the enological validity of many resistant varieties, both in price and as a blend. Also, under the production point of view, the feasibility and economical sustainability of the new resistant varieties was verified. The aim of this work was to deepen the knowledge on the organoleptic characteristics of wines obtained from the Fleurtai and Soreli varieties and to compare them with the wine obtained from Tocai Friulano, the mother variety in the area destined for the production of the Lison Classico DOCG appellation. The purpose of the work is then to verify the possibility of introducing resistant varieties into the DOCG while maintaining the wine name of the appellation linked to the territory.

Material and methods – To compare wines, a sensorial approach was applied using descriptive and ranking tests. The group of wines analysed is made up of 12 Lison Classico from representative companies of the Lison Pramaggiore area, and 7 wines from resistant varieties obtained both from microvinifications and cellar trials yet analysed in different sensory analysis sessions by a panel of expert judges. The sensory panel, made up exclusively of local enologist technicians, was trained using wines from Tocai Friulano grapes produced in the area. Following appropriate training, a sensory card was drawn up and used in the sensory tests relating to the trials. For data analysis, the Friedmann ranking test and the ONE-WAY analysis of variance were used.

Results – This research confirms that Fleurtai and Soreli varieties can be elaborated alone or in blends, to give a product with qualitative characteristics equivalent to the variety Tocai Friulano. Therefore, these resistant varieties could be gradually introduced into the production area of ​​the DOCG Lison Classico denomination, without changing its organoleptic typicality. The good enological aptitude of these resistant varieties could be useful in a hypothetical blend with Tocai Friulano grapes capable of producing Lison Classico, further increasing the freshness and longevity of wine. From this point of view, the denomination that identifies the territory would remain, regardless the cultivated varieties, that will be defined in a fair compromise between tradition and innovation, to protect the environment and the final consumer. At any rate, to reach this compromise, winemaker needs the introduction of Soreli and Fleurtai in the production regulations of the Lison Classico DOCG area. The results confirm the possibility of using the new resistant varieties together with the traditional one for a low-impact viticulture.