The control exercised by the Prosecco DOCG Consortium seems insufficient in the face of this emergency. The reasons are multiple: lack of knowledge on how to tackle the problem and difficulty in raising funds, given that requests for contributions from consortium members are often not met.
The time has come for the Consortium to act decisively. It should turn to the regional institutions of Veneto and the European community to obtain grants, taking example from similar initiatives already adopted in Alto Adige and France. These funds could be used to support vineyard owners in maintaining their land to the highest standards, perhaps through competitions and awards for landscaping and caring for vineyards. If these initial efforts do not bring the desired results, the Consortium should take responsibility for revoking the production rights of Prosecco DOCG from those who do not adequately maintain the vineyards on the banks.
The region must also intervene urgently. It can no longer limit itself to reversing the problem on the Prosecco DOCG Consortium, but must take an active role in guaranteeing the protection of this wine heritage.
The UNESCO Hills association, so far focused on promoting tourism and outlining guidelines for the conservation of the Prosecco Hills, must now move on to concrete action to support winemakers in the conservation and valorization of their lands.
This is a crucial bet for all actors involved. If action is not taken promptly, Prosecco DOCG Superiore and the UNESCO Hills risk disappearing, leaving an irreparable void in Italy's cultural and landscape heritage. The time has come to act with determination and responsibility to save and enhance this enological and landscape treasure of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills.
