Autochtona 2020 in Bolzano the largest showcase of Italian native grape varieties

There will now be very famous vines, real pillars of Italian viticulture and, together with them, a large group of varieties linked to very small areas, which in some cases have risked extinction. Autochtona 2020 will be a very special edition this year, which, as usual, will take place in the pavilions of Fiera Bolzano on 19 and 20 October . With a large and comprehensive tasting counter , thanks to the presence of 550 labels and a range of vines well representative of the incredible biodiversity that has found a home in the Italian vineyard, the 17th edition of Autochtona is more than ever a unique opportunity to to deepen the knowledge of many of the main Italian indigenous grape varieties, but also a not so usual opportunity to taste many varieties considered minor in terms of diffusion, but certainly not secondary in value and quality. Among the numerous wines from native vines present in Bolzano there will be numerous labels that enhance varieties, both red and white, now historical and well known such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese and Aglianico or, again, Trebbiano, Vermentino and Verdicchio . Moving from North to South it will then be possible to taste both wines limited to specific areas and labels that enhance niche grapes. Lagrein from Alto Adige / Sùdtirol, Timorasso dei Colli Tortonesi, Nerello Mascalese and Carricante dell'Etna or, again, Pecorino - both in the Marche and Abruzzo versions - as well as other grape varieties that can be defined as real "relics". This is the case, for example, of Cutrera , Recunu and Rucignola in Sicily, Ribona in the Marche, Caricalasino (Barbera Bianca) in Piedmont. But the list is really long and fascinating: Alionza in Emilia-Romagna, Boschera , Dorona and Recantina in Veneto, Ucelut in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Maturano in Lazio, Pollera and Barsaglina in Tuscany, are other real rarities to be discovered. in Autochtona. A biodiversity , the one present in Italy, which over the years has been discovered, appreciated and valued also by many internationally renowned wine writers and tasters , who in Bolzano have always been part of the jury that assigns the Autochtona Awards.

" In Italy there is a diversity that represents a great opportunity: thanks to a heritage of this type, a taste traveler can satisfy his desire for experimentation by not stopping at the most well-known varieties. He is like a chef who cooks not only with a few traditional ingredients, but also with other local ingredients that are little or not known at all ", says, for example, Darrel Joseph , journalist, long-time collaborator of magazines such as Decanter and Wine Spectator, as well as a former juror in Autochtona. But the passion for Italian native vines over the years has taken root in many foreign countries not only within the wine lists of restaurants and wine bars, but also in the vineyard. This was stated, for example, by Christy Canterbury , one of the seven female Masters of Wine from the United States, who in the past was present at Autochtona as president of the jury of the award. " American winemakers are planting numerous Italian varieties in their vineyards. Not just Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and a little Barbera, but also Friulano, Pallagrello Bianco, Refosco and many others ". But why are winegrowers betting on these vines? " Because they are extraordinarily unique: the native Italian vines are making the convivial moments linked to wine different from the past, more original and authentic ". The 2020 edition of Autochtona will have as its salient moment the assignment of the Autochtona Awards in the categories "Best White Wine", "Best Rosé Wine", "Best Red Wine", "Best Bubbles", "Best Sweet Wine". In addition to the special prizes "Terroir", "Spirito diVino" and "Best Winemaker Under 40", three other prizes, within the Tasting Lagrein section, will be reserved for wines produced with this native red grape variety from South Tyrol in the categories "Rosato", "Classico" and "Riserva". The Autochtona tasting counter, managed by the sommeliers of the Italian Sommelier Association - South Tyrol section, will be open to the public both Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 October, within two time slots: from 9.30 to 16.00 for operators of the sector, from 16.00 to 18.00 for enthusiasts. To access it, you must purchase the ticket online, choosing the day of the visit and then proceed to register on site, at the Autochtona Welcome Desk.