The Rise of Natural Wine & Collaborative Terroir: A New Chapter for Italian Viticulture
A recent gathering of sommeliers in Sandonaci, Puglia, highlighted a growing trend in the Italian wine world: a collaborative exploration of natural winemaking and regional terroir. Hosted by Azienda Agricola Biologica “Natalino Del Prete” in partnership with Ais Lecce and the Gorizian winery Princic, the event showcased a shift towards more restrained viticulture and a deeper understanding of wine as a reflection of its origin.
From Tradition to Transparency: Natalino Del Prete’s Legacy
Natalino Del Prete, a fourth-generation winemaker, embodies a return to traditional practices. His approach, characterized by organic farming (certified since 1994), minimal intervention and a focus on native grapes like Primitivo and Negroamaro, is gaining prominence. He cultivates his vineyards in the towns of Guagnano and San Donaci. This philosophy extends to the cellar, where wines ferment and age in large concrete tanks. Del Prete’s dedication to natural processes is inspiring a new generation of winemakers, including his daughter, Mina.
The Princic Approach: Maceration & Exploration of Venezia Giulia
The event centered around four IGT Venezia Giulia wines from Princic: a Merlot, a blend of local varieties, a Pinot Grigio with brief maceration, and a Ribolla with extended maceration. This focus on maceration – the process of leaving the grape skins in contact with the juice during fermentation – is a key element in the growing natural wine movement. It allows for greater extraction of color, tannins, and flavor compounds, resulting in wines with more texture and complexity.
The tasting revealed how maceration impacts the final product. The Pinot Grigio 2017, with over 15 days of maceration and three years of maturation in wooden containers, developed an orange hue and surprising notes of carcadè and pot-pourri. This demonstrates how unconventional techniques can unlock new dimensions in familiar grape varieties.
A Sommelier’s Perspective: Gastronomic Potential & Evolving Palates
Fabrizio Miccoli, vice president of the Italian Sommelier Association of Lecce, emphasized the educational value of the event. He noted that the wines showcased were not merely different from everyday drinking wines, but also exceptionally “gastronomic” and capable of complementing a wide range of cuisines. This sentiment reflects a broader trend: a growing appreciation among consumers and industry professionals for wines that are authentic, expressive, and food-friendly.
Dario Poddana of “Les Caves De Pyrene” in the UK, a renowned expert with a wine list of approximately 4000 labels, highlighted the rigor in both the vineyard and cellar at Princic as contributing to wines that are olfactively clean, flavorful, persistent, and full of personality.
The Future of Italian Wine: Collaboration & Terroir
The collaboration between Natalino Del Prete and Princic exemplifies a promising trend: winemakers sharing knowledge and expertise to elevate the quality and profile of Italian wines. This exchange of ideas, combined with a renewed focus on sustainable practices and regional character, is positioning Italy as a leader in the natural wine movement.
The event also underscored the importance of understanding the nuances of winemaking techniques, such as maceration, and how they influence the final product. As consumers become more discerning, they are seeking wines that inform a story – wines that reflect the unique terroir and the passion of the people who make them.
FAQ
What is maceration in winemaking? Maceration is the process of leaving grape skins in contact with the juice during fermentation, extracting color, tannins, and flavor.
What does “organic certified” mean for a winery? It means the winery adheres to strict standards regarding the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.
What grapes does Natalino Del Prete grow? Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, and Aleatico.
Where is Natalino Del Prete located? In the towns of Guagnano and San Donaci, in the Salento region of Puglia, Italy.
What is the significance of the collaboration between Natalino Del Prete and Princic? It demonstrates a growing trend of winemakers sharing knowledge and expertise to promote regional terroir and natural winemaking practices.
Did you know? Natalino Del Prete’s wife once remarked that he would happily eat pasta for every meal, highlighting his simple, unpretentious approach to life and winemaking.
Pro Tip: When exploring natural wines, don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings. These wines often have unique flavor profiles that can complement unexpected dishes.
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