Everything is ready for the renewed edition of Autochtona: on 18 and 19 October the Italy of indigenous wines will be staged in Bolzano with a large tasting counter and in-depth masterclasses, offering a cross-section of what is the vitivinicultural biodiversity of our Country.
On 18 and 19 October at Fiera Bolzano, during the 18th edition of Autochtona , the richest and most articulated tasting counter dedicated to native vines will welcome wine lovers and professionals from all over Italy.
It will be a unique opportunity for the public who will be able to take a real "Giro d'Italia" with the glass in hand, thanks to the many wines obtained through the numerous native vines grown from north to south, demonstrating the incredible biodiversity present along the boot.
Of the more than 600 varieties registered in the National Catalog of the Vine, almost all can be considered autochthonous and in many cases belonging not only to certain regions, as to specific areas or microzones within which they have found the ideal conditions to give unique traits in the aromas and flavors.
Also this year Fiera Bolzano will be the ideal place for those who want to know and taste wines that are not always easy to find in a wine shop or restaurant, if not by going directly to the production areas.
A few examples? La Recantina , an ancient autochthonous red grape variety of the Treviso province, which risked extinction with the arrival of phylloxera between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century and was recovered thanks to the work of some winemakers especially from the Asolo hills and Montello in particular. Spergola , confused in the past with Sauvignon, is instead a historic white grape variety that found its home on the hills of Reggio Emilia in the fifteenth century and that was rediscovered with excellent results especially in the sparkling version, both Charmat and Metodo Classico.
In Piedmont from native vines such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Grignolino, wines with ancient history and a radiant present are born, famous not only in Italy but now almost all over the world. However, there are also varieties linked to very small territories of this region: this is the case of Malvasia di Schierano , an aromatic black Malvasia that gives rise to the homonymous wine in Castelnuovo Don Bosco, or of Timorasso and Nascetta , autochthonous white berried grapes grown exclusively in the Tortona area or in Novello in the Langhe.
In Tuscany the undisputed prince is naturally Sangiovese, present in Autochtona with samples coming from many of the main denominations, but to accompany it there are many minor vines that have been, over the years, rediscovered and vinified even in purity. This is the case of Ciliegiolo and Canaiolo , but also of varieties that until a few years ago were thought to be lost, such as Barsaglina and Vermentino Nero , grown only on the coastal strip in the province of Massa Carrara in particular.
Continuing the journey and remaining in Central Italy, at the Salone it will be possible to taste wines obtained from Bellone and Olivella Nera : they are two vines particularly linked to the Lazio region, the former has very ancient origins and numerous synonyms, including the curious Cacchione and Arciprete, while the second has often been compared to the Sciascinoso from Campania, although the relationship is not so certain.
Speaking of Campania, in addition to Aglianico, Greco, Fiano and Falanghina, historical varieties now well known, it will also be possible to taste wines obtained from a series of lesser-known vines, but of great value, such as the Biancolella and Forastera Ischitans or the rare Ripoli, Fenile and Ginestra of the Amalfi Coast. Remaining in southern Italy, a treasure trove of countless grapes that give rise to wines of great character, from Calabria there will be Mantonico , Magliocco and Greco Nero , while from Sicily, in addition to the famous Nero d'Avola, there will be Carricante and the two Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio , standard bearers of a viticulture, that of Etna, which gives results of great charm at the foot of the highest active volcano in Europe.
During the two days, in addition to the tasting counter, a rich masterclass program will be provided that will complete the Autochtona offer, with the aim of providing the public with food for thought and in-depth analysis on a theme, that of native vines, constantly in ferment and always full of news. "All shades of pink: rosé a never-ending trend", "Indigenous people in sparkling wine: there is life beyond chardonnay and pinot noir", "Calabria: a heritage of indigenous vines to be discovered" are some of the titles of a calendar of meetings that is being completed in these days and that will be conducted by professional experts and journalists from the world of wine.
The tasting counter, managed by the sommeliers of the Italian Sommelier Association - South Tyrol section, will be open to operators in the sector from 10.00 to 16.00 and to the public of enthusiasts from 16.00 to 18.00 . To access it, the ticket must be purchased exclusively online, in order to avoid gatherings at the cash desks to buy the entrance ticket to the event).
To access the fair, as well as the exhibition space dedicated to Autochtona, in addition to the entrance ticket, it will be necessary to have the Green Pass , in digital or paper form.
Autochtona is organized by Fiera Bolzano and will take place in conjunction with Hotel, an international fair dedicated to catering and hôtellerie scheduled until 21 October.
