Observation, sharing and freedom of choice: the viticulture of the future starts from the DOC Colli Berici and Vicenza

Centrality of scientific research, knowledge sharing, adaptability, all-round sustainability and pioneering spirit: these are some of the themes that emerged during the conference In search of balance – The challenges of contemporary viticulture , presented by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Berici e Vicenza last Thursday 8 May 2025 at the International Library “La Vigna” in Vicenza. An in-depth look at the impact of climate change in the vineyard with evidence from scientific research and practical applications to be adopted in the field .

The protagonists of the meeting were Giovanni Battista Tornielli , professor at the University of Padua, Ermanno Murari , technical area manager of Vivai Cooperativi Rauscedo, and Giovanni Ponchia , director of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Berici e Vicenza. The conference was moderated by the journalist, agronomist and scientific director of Millevigne Alessandra Biondi Bartolini .

“Giving space to a meaningful comparison between science and technology, between theory and practice, to offer our members concrete tools and clear guidelines to apply in the vineyard – said Silvio Dani , president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Berici e Vicenza –. This is the goal we have pursued by organizing a conference with important experts in the scientific, viticultural and agronomic sectors. Only through training and shared experimentation can we face today's climate challenges with vision, pragmatism and responsibility”.

The meeting offered an integrated approach between technique and practice, while raising broader reflections on the future prospects of viticulture . The need for a far-sighted look and a vision open to innovation, based on deep observation, experience and dialogue with producers , was discussed. The need for greater flexibility in the specifications emerged, to allow more agile and timely solutions to the difficulties generated by the climate. Among the values recalled were also courage, creativity and curiosity in the introduction of new techniques based on study and research.

In this context, Giovanni Battista Tornielli offered an overview of the main agronomic and environmental issues, focusing on both short-term interventions such as soil and canopy management in the vineyard, and more structural long-term strategies, which include the choice of rootstocks and varieties, crop repositioning and the use of genetic improvement techniques . He also highlighted the important role of advanced technologies in monitoring water stress and production quality. Ermanno Murari , starting from the soils of the Berici Hills and illustrating concrete examples adopted in Veneto, explored the use of resistant varieties and new generation rootstocks , M series , developed to address specific critical issues such as drought, active limestone, salinity and asphyxiated soils.

Among the concrete responses to the climate challenges and the valorization of the territory are also the recent initiatives of the Consortium, presented during the conference by the director Giovanni Ponchia . "With a view to greater productive adaptability - explained the director - we are requesting an update of the specifications to allow the use of the pergola training system for all the admitted varieties, while for the Colli Berici white and red wines we are asking for greater freedom in the ampelographic composition".

The Consortium also focuses on key aspects such as water stress management and the protection of local biodiversity. In this regard, a catalogue field has been established in Lonigo, where ancient native varieties such as Denela, Leonicena, Gambugliana, Liseiret, Pomella, Cenerente and Rossa Burgan are grown, selected for their ability to adapt to new environmental conditions.