Terroir is the future

Fully satisfactory outcome of the First Symposium on Grenache Terroir. The convention that we organized together with other producers of Qualithos Group (Piovene Porto Godi, Dal Maso, Le Pignole), was an important meeting and developing occasion for each one of us, which ended with the undertaking of all winemakers to meet next year for a second symposium, extended to other wineries and areas.

The main subjects of the event were terroir and wine, Grenache and Colli Berici, authenticity and territory. The discussion on the above subject was held by authoritative people, such as Mr. Attilio Scienza and Mr. Roberto Cipresso.

During the symposium a comparison was made between Tai Rosso and Cannonau, Grenache and Guarnacha. The result? A substantial connection between these varieties, even if there are some clear differences which reflect the characteristics of the production territories. Therefore terroir involves a deep relationship between the producer and the territory where he works.

Roberto Cipresso, wine expert, underlined the influence that environmental conditions have on the variety, besides culture and man work, thus making it peculiar. Such peculiarity is expressed in the territories. This was pointed out by Mr. Attilio Scienza, professor of wine making at Milan University, by confirming that these vines have mostly the same genetic background, but they have some essential environmental differences. Besides Tai Rosso Doc variety of Qualithos Group (Torengo 2007, Colpizzarda 2007, Thovara 2007), we tasted: Viniola Reserve Cannonau Doc Cantina di Dorgali; Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine du Banneret; Finca la Cinta Socarrats D.O.C. Priorat Bodega Alvaro Palacios and Propiedad Alfaro D.O.C. Rioja Bodega Palacios Remondo; Ugo di Domaine Arguti of Roussillon. Finally we suggested a comparison between Tai Rosso Brunello and Cannonau grappa. We reported the results of a comparison carried out by Veneto Agricoltura on our commission. Remarkable differences have been found between the two types of grappa, particularly as regards the following characteristics: smell intensity, smell and aroma of maraschino cherry, jam, vegetal, pepper, balmy and aromatic herbs.

So this is a date that may occur yearly and become touring, moving year after year to one of the areas where the Grenache family vines are cultivated. This will lead to the research of the similarity and mostly the differences being characteristic of each terroir, which make it unique and peculiar.