Page 109 - Exploring Taste Magazine N.2

WINE CULTURE—KEEPING UP WITH PROSECCO

KEEPING UP

WITH PROSECCO

Words
JESSICA BORDONI
Photography
ANDREA PAVAN

green heart in the Pre-Alps, between the Dolomites the Designation of Origin system did not exist and the so-called
and the sea, 50 kilometers from Venice. It is the region “Prosecco phenomenon” was still a good way of . Today the label
of traditional Prosecco production, which today bears “52” Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is paying tribute to the f rst
Athe famous title of “Superiore DOCG” (controlled and sparkling winemaking experience that occurred in that year.
guaranteed designation of origin) with the geographical sub-ap- In this century, Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo has decided to
pellations of excellence “Rive” and “Cartizze”. The Conegliano and strengthen its foothold by establishing the prestigious Estate in
Valdobbiadene hills have a long wine-making history to tell and Refrontolo, located in the center of the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene
their beauty, unique in the world, is currently being considered by DOCG area. In 2010 the f rst business core was purchased, con-
UNESCO for recognition as World Heritage “cultural landscape”. sisting in 11 hectares and including the manor house and other
The vinedressers in this region have been taking care of the con- attached buildings. In 2013 there was a second transaction and 3
tours of the hills for more than three centuries, by supporting their hectares were added in the nearby municipality of San Pietro, while
natural shapes and chiseling the steep slopes with hard, manual in March 2017 5 hectares were annexed in Cozzuolo, in the mu-
work. Behind the international reputation of the Prosecco tiny bub- nicipality of Vittorio Veneto. Today the total hectares with vines
bles, proudly made in Italy, there are traditions and ancient secrets amount to 18, plus 7 of forest.
passed down by the producers generation after generation. But The main plot is in Mire, from the Veneto dialect mirar, meaning
there is also a strong boost for innovation and research, assisted by to look. The location is particularly spectacular: a natural bal-
the activity of the Oenological School of Conegliano and of the Uni- cony overlooking an amphitheater surrounded by hills, forests,
versity of Padua with headquarters in Conegliano. vineyards and rural houses, with the historical Pieve [baptismal
Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo is without any doubt one of the church] of San Pietro in the background. The area, which is very
creators of Prosecco’s worldwide success. With pioneering spirit, it interesting indeed in terms of landscape, is also characterized by
started the sparkling winemaking method in the early 1950s, when the resurgences of the Crevada watercourse, small streams and

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