Terroir valorization strategies in a reformed denomination area: the Prosecco case study

Aims: This work summarizes some of the upmost recent studies and valorization strategies concerning the Prosecco wine production area. After the geographical denomination Prosecco (DO) was strongly reformed in 2009, the newborn DOCG (controlled and guaranteed DO) and DOC (controlled DO) areas have required different and specific strategies to promote and protect the value of their production.

Methods and Results:

Landscape and Natural Biodiversity in the DOCG Conegliano-Valdobbiadene

A preliminary survey was carried out among winegrowers of the Prosecco DOCG area to gather information on aspects relating to biodiversity and the landscape. We focused on the biodiversity of Cartizze, one of the most historic and traditional sub-areas, and compared it with the rest of the DOCG. Data from the questionnaire gave a first evaluation on the level of global biodiversity and landscape preservation in this micro-terroir.

Sustainable Agronomic Techniques for the DOC Prosecco Area

Novel systems for precision irrigation of Glera vineyards are under investigation. Concerning the management of newly planted vineyards, we compared the effect of different crop load in young Glera vines, with the aim of defining optimum crop levels to obtain a balanced growth of all structures in developing plants. Furthermore, new irrigation and nutrition strategies to minimize the effects of climate change on the acidity of the variety Glera are under investigation.

Conclusion: 

Results from the survey on biodiversity indicated that the old age of the vineyards and the traditional agronomic techniques are among the factors contributing to maintain a higher biodiversity in the Cartizze. The loss of landscape identity is an incoming threat and its preservation is one of the most urgent foresight needs. All these elements must be promoted and extended to the other areas in the DOCG Conegliano Valdobbiadene. 

Results from the studies on vine irrigation, nitrogen supply and crop management indicate that the adoption of appropriate agronomic techniques allow to optimize the inputs to the vineyard, preserving the quality and identity of Prosecco wine in the current climate change context.  

Significance and Impact of the Study: The institution of the DOCG and DOC Prosecco denomination areas calls for renewed and effective strategies to promote and protect the value of these two distinct terroirs. Results from these studies will help promoting a higher terroir expression by means of a better exploitation of its natural resources and their economic value, trough the adoptions of agronomic techniques able to promote higher environmental sustainability and greater resilience of Glera to climate change.