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IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 OIV 9 OIV 2024 9 Short communications - Viticulture, table grapes, dried grapes and unfermented grape products 9 Old but gold: the interest for minor grapevine varieties – a case study in the Veneto region (Italy)

Old but gold: the interest for minor grapevine varieties – a case study in the Veneto region (Italy)

Abstract

The biodiversity of cultivated vines has been significantly reduced due to a series of factors that have favoured the cultivation of a limited number of varieties and clones over time. In veneto, since 1980, a series of important actions have been implemented to counter this process. These actions have focused on the conservation of germplasm identified in the territory and the recovery of varieties historically present in the region, which were in danger of being abandoned and disappearing. An analysis of the regional wine-growing areas between 2017 and 2023 reveals a notable increase in the cultivated area dedicated to these minor varieties. This indicates a growing interest among winegrowers in enhancing production diversity by focusing on these varieties. Despite the relatively limited cultivated area, some varieties have experienced a significant expansion, with more than double the area cultivated in 2017. For example, the cultivated area of ‘recantina’ increased by 14.4 hectares (157%) and that of ‘grapariol’ by 12.8 hectares (137%). These varieties, historically associated with the veneto wine-growing tradition, remain relevant today and can produce high-quality wines linked to specific terroirs of the region. This scenario serves to exemplify the tangible advantages that can be derived from the conservation and study of agro-biodiversity.

L’interesse per i vitigni minori – un caso di studio nella regione veneto (Italia)

La biodiversità della vite coltivata ha subito una significativa riduzione a causa di una serie di fattori che hanno favorito nel tempo la coltivazione di un numero ristretto di varietà e cloni. In veneto, a partire dal 1980, sono state realizzate una serie di importanti azioni per contrastare questo processo. Le azioni sono state focalizzate alla conservazione del germoplasma identificato nel territorio e al recupero di varietà storicamente presenti nella regione, che rischiano di essere abbandonate e di scomparire. Un’analisi delle aree viticole regionali nel periodo 2017-2023 mostra un chiaro incremento della superficie coltivata con queste varietà. Ciò evidenzia l’interesse dei viticoltori ad aumentare la diversificazione della produzione puntando su questi vitigni. Sebbene la superficie coltivata rimanga a un livello relativamente basso, alcune varietà hanno più che raddoppiato la loro superficie. Ad esempio, la superficie coltivata a “recantina” è aumentata di 14,4 ettari (157%) e quella a “grapariol” di 12,8 ettari (137%). Queste varietà, storicamente associate alla tradizione vitivinicola del veneto, sono ancora attuali e capaci di produrre vini di alta qualità legati allo specifico terroir della regione. Questo quadro fornisce un buon esempio dei benefici diretti che possono derivare dalla conservazione e dallo studio dell’agro-biodiversità.

L’intérêt pour les cépages mineurs– une étude de cas dans la région de Vénétie (Italie)

La biodiversité des vignes cultivées s’est considérablement réduite en raison d’une série de facteurs qui ont favorisé la culture d’un nombre limité de cépages et de clones au fil du temps. En vénétie, depuis 1980, une série d’actions importantes ont été mises en œuvre pour contrer ce processus. Ces actions se sont concentrées sur la conservation du matériel génétique identifié sur le territoire et sur la récupération des variétés historiquement présentes dans la région, qui risquaient d’être abandonnées et de disparaître. L’analyse des surfaces viticoles régionales entre 2017 et 2023 révèle une augmentation notable de la surface cultivée consacrée à ces variétés mineures. Cela témoigne de l’intérêt croissant des viticulteurs pour l’amélioration de la diversité de la production en se concentrant sur ces variétés. Bien que la superficie cultivée soit encore relativement limitée, certaines variétés ont beaucoup évolué, faisant plus que doubler la superficie cultivée en 2017. Par exemple, la superficie cultivée de « recantina » a augmenté de 14,4 hectares (157 %) et celle de « grapariol » de 12,8 hectares (137 %). Ces cépages, historiquement associés à la tradition viticole de la vénétie, restent d’actualité et sont capables de produire des vins de grande qualité liés aux terroirs spécifiques de la région. Ce scénario illustre les avantages concrets qui peuvent découler de la conservation et de l’étude de l’agro-biodiversité.

Publication date: November 18, 2024

Issue: OIV 2024

Type: Article

Authors

Massimo Gardiman¹

¹ CREA Centro di Ricerca Viticoltura ed Enologia, Italy

Contact the author*

Tags

IVES Conference Series | OIV | OIV 2024

Citation

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