A COLLABORATION TO DISCOVER UMBRIAN ROOTS

When did the written word “ vino ” appear for the first time in Italy? Or, in which Italic civilization did the nectar of the gods take its first steps in history? It cannot be ruled out that everything happened in the territory of central Italy that we now call Umbria, before the arrival of the Etruscans in the country. Echoes of other times but projected into the contemporary: these are the questions that led to the creation of the first working table composed of scholars and experts on the theme “ Roots: the echo of the origins ”.

The research, whose realization is promoted by Umbria Top , the cooperative that brings together wineries and Consortia for the Protection of Umbrian wines, as well as being the proponent of the Umbrian Quality Wine Supply Chain District, aims to explore and rediscover the origins of Umbrian wine production through a multidisciplinary approach. Botanical, agronomic and environmental peculiarities of the territory, cultural ideas, historical stories, testimonies of agricultural and rural archaeology to discover the strengths of the small but precious Umbrian production, thanks to the significant contribution of professors and scholars from the University for Foreigners of Perugia, the University of Perugia, 3A Agri-food Technology Park of Umbria, the Torgiano Wine Museum, AIS Umbria.

“ Not just a publication, but a declaration of belonging and an act of collective memory . - explains Gioia Bacoccoli , coordinator of Umbria Top - The “Radici” project was born from the desire to narrate the strengths of the regional winemaking industry starting from its origins. After all, it is largely in our subsoil that precious secrets are found that are still often hidden. Wine has been made in Umbria since time immemorial: all that remains is to start writing a story that is both new and ancient at the same time, a first collection of ideas for a treasure hunt in reverse: from the glass to the root ” which we would like to be a participatory and ongoing journey. The work we have started has in fact immediately shown an interesting potential for research in sectors such as wine tourism and territorial marketing, for which we intend to shortly program a working table useful for identifying new tools for the promotion of the sector and the regional territory ”.

The research, which includes an editorial project, represents a virtuous example of networking between institutions, research bodies and local entities, confirming Umbria Top's commitment to promoting and enhancing regional wine excellence, with a careful eye on sustainability and the preservation of traditions. The work, enriched by valuable iconographic material and unpublished scientific contributions, is intended as a starting point for scholars, enthusiasts and professionals in the sector, offering useful ideas for promoting the image of the Umbrian wine sector.

“This research - in the words of the coordinator Luigi Mundula , President of the MICO course at the University for Foreigners of Perugia - is a first approach and starts from a historical, linguistic and archaeological study of the origins of vine cultivation and wine production, to then continue with an analysis of the modification of the agricultural landscape and architecture. Wine, therefore, as a cultural heritage is presented as a condensation of history and culture, an intangible heritage of humanity. This vision elevates wine from a simple drink to a symbol of identity, to an essential component of this unique and inimitable land, not only for its historical origin, its cycles, its celebrations, its rites and its lived memories”.

The research benefits from the participation of various professors from the University for Foreigners of Perugia (Giovanni Capecchi, Valentina Gasbarra, Roberto Montagnoli and Alessio Patalocco) and the University of Perugia (Manuel Vaquero Piñeiro, Alberto Palliotti and Paolo Braconi) but also from the valuable scientific contribution of experts and researchers (Stefano Cimicchi, Luisa Spagnoli) and institutions (3A Agri-food Technology Park of Umbria, Torgiano Wine Museum MUVIT, Italian Sommelier Association).

Anyone wishing to receive a free copy of the paper or digital volume of “Radici, l'eco delle Origini”, can write an email to info@umbriatopwines.it