In Trentino, Pinot Grigio represents a formidable product in its marketing arsenal. However, the situation of this universally admired varietal here starkly contrasts with that in other wine-growing regions. Clemens Gerke reports.
How do you protect and promote a regional grape variety? That was the subject of a recent forum in Verona. Felicity Carter went along to hear the arguments.
From 11 to 1600 – in 1904 eleven founding members established the first wine cooperative in Mezzacorona, in Trentino. Since then, generations of families have devoted themselves to cultivating grapes and conserving their habitat.
The vineyards of northeast Italy have produced high quality Pinot Grigio this year, but less of it. And more is being bottled in the region, which will make it harder to find in bulk, and general price hikes of up to a third quite likely.
Tradition demands the participation of individuals who are dedicated to preserving it. For the Trentino winegrowers’ cooperative Mezzacorona, this involves safeguarding the indigenous grape varieties Teroldego and Marzemino, showcasing their qualities both as monovarietal wines and in blends.
