The first Sardinian Doc turns 50.
It is Vernaccia di Oristano, the first wine on the island to obtain, in 1971, the prestigious appellation.
An important occasion to celebrate with an ideal toast based on this dry white with intense and "mirrored" scents and the characteristic color between amber and topaz.
With its 3500 years of certified history, for a dozen years the native vine, dating back to the Nuraghic era, has been the protagonist of a small revival, after the commercial darkness of the 90s.
The Vernaccia Ecomuseum, a cultural association founded three years ago by Davide Orro, of the Tramatza winery of the same name, is the spokesperson for this rebirth, to protect and relaunch this treasure of the vineyards of the Tirso valley by joining together with a network project open to all companies in the Oristano area, the land of choice for this product linked to the territory, culture and its rituals such as Sartiglia.
Unique in the world, but struggling to establish itself on the markets.
Only about 300 hectares are cultivated, seven companies that produce Vernaccia.
A typology appreciated by oenologists all over the world for its organoleptic properties, its eclectic character, the aromas released thanks to an original aging method: the wine rests in full wooden barrels to favor the formation of Flor yeast on the surface.
The goal of the Ecomuseum - explains Mauro Contini, production manager of the homonymous winery - is to respect the production tradition with an eye to new vinifications, to make it more versatile and contemporary. "Vernaccia is increasingly entering the world of catering and of blending, as suggested by Andrea Balleri, brand ambassador of the Cabras winery. "The companies that produce Vernaccia are now in the hands of young graduates and specialists, the sector is rejuvenating - underlines Roberto Puggioni, oenologist of the cooperative great respect for tradition. "There are many initiatives carried out by the Ecomuseum to promote the uniqueness of the vine, the territory and the entire supply chain.
A visit to the Enna house, home of the multimedia Ecomuseum in Tramatza, allows an immersion in the world of Vernaccia through exhibitions of objects and artifacts, a themed library, immersive visits to capture the beauty of the landscapes
i and the phases of grape harvesting and processing, through the use of three-dimensional viewers.
Important is also the activity with the schools, the tours in the cellar and in the vineyard.
"The training of members with the aim of refining the ability to tell the product and interact with international markets and tourists is fundamental", says Fabrizio Abis, head of the Ecomuseum's food and wine table.
The Ecomuseum is investing time, work and passion on this jewel of world enology. "" Now let's go ahead - assures Davide Orro - we are ready for recognition as a museum.
We are at the service of this precious and rare vine and we have the duty to preserve it ".
