Chiara Meloni from Perugia won first prize with her composition Ogni futuro primo sorso : a blend of childhood memories and reflections on environmental responsibility, celebrating the fruits of the earth with a magical and evocative language. The winning poem of the National Poetry Award Cantine di Verona , unveiled on Saturday 23 November at the Fucina Culturale Machiavelli theatre, will become the protagonist of the limited edition Idyllium , a wine selected for the occasion by the President of the Scaligero cooperative group Luigi Turco.
The competition was born with the aim of enhancing the link between poetic art and winemaking tradition, while reflecting Cantine di Verona's commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity. The theme of this edition, In Search of a Sustainable Future: Acting to Preserve the Environment , has inspired emerging and established poets, gathering over 300 entries from all over Italy.
In second place on the podium was Sualen Riccardi from Ponso (PD) with L'uomo che piantò un ricordo , a composition that uses the metaphor of the flower to explore the cycle of life and memory. Raffaello Corti , from Bergamo, took third place with Il perdono , a composition that invites reflection on the human impact on the environment and offers a message of hope through the symbol of the bud. The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Gianluca Padrin from Santorso (VI) for Sussurri di natura , a reflection on the importance of regenerative breaks in a frenetic world. Albano Mazzaretto , from Longare (VI), received the Special Prize of the President of Cantine di Verona with Per un nuovo simposio , a celebration of wine created with love as a symbol of conviviality, friendship and respect for the earth. The winners and those with a special mention received commemorative plaques and a selection of fine wines and oils from the Scaligero cooperative winemaking group.
The winning composition will be printed on the label of a celebratory edition of Idyllium , a robust and elegant wine, obtained from Corvina, Rondinella, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, ideal when paired with grilled dishes, fried foods and mature cheeses. The limited edition will be on sale in the e-commerce and in the 10 company wine shops at a price of 8 euros.
“Chiara Meloni’s poetry struck us for its intensity and for its ability to translate Cantine di Verona’s mission into words: to preserve and enhance the land. It is an honor to link her message to our label,” says Luigi Turco , President of Cantine di Verona, “in a competition born in 2010 with the name of Premio Poesia Cantina Valpantena , which this year is growing, broadening its scope as it has been for us, following the merger of the three cooperatives – Cantina Valpantena, Cantina di Custoza and Cantina Colli Morenici – into the Cantine di Verona group.”
Turco continues: “With the National Poetry Award we want to highlight the cultural link between wine and literature , uniting two worlds linked by a love of emotions, beauty and traditions. At the same time, this union recalls a cultural heritage that enhances the territory of Verona, where illustrious authors such as Shakespeare who set the love story of Romeo and Juliet here and Dante with his Comedy have set their works, inserting it however in a modern context”.
The complete list of winners and those who received a special mention will be available on the Cantine di Verona website .