Vinnatur in Rome, the Importance of Natural Wine

From Saturday the 12th to Monday the 14th of November, in Rome, in the halls of the former Ex Cartiera Latina located within the Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica, the first edition of VINNATUR ROMA was held, the natural wine showcase organized by the natural winegrowers' association VinNatur.

Three days were entirely dedicated to natural wine, produced with respect for the land, its biodiversity, and its rhythms. As many as 78 producers – from 13 Italian regions, as well as from France, Spain, and Slovenia – introduced their wines, explaining how they are produced in respect of their respective terroir. And the response was over 2,000 visitors in three days, including industry professionals and enthusiasts of wine produced according to nature. The organic and natural wine sector is in constant growth, as evidenced by data showing the increase in certified vineyard surfaces and the number of winegrowers operating within it.

During the event, there was no shortage of debates, always very well attended, culminating in the discussion held on Monday the 14th between Angiolino Maule, president of the Association, and Sandro Sangiorgi of Porthos, an authoritative voice on the subject and beyond. The importance of integrated biological pest control was reaffirmed, along with the influence of biodiversity on protection against fungi and herbivorous insects that damage the vine. The use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides is, in fact, among the main causes of loss of soil fertility and biodiversity depletion. The importance of actions carried out following organic protocols was highlighted, aimed at the use of microorganisms and antagonist insects useful in containing phytophagous species, as well as the use of natural products and other natural methods.

The topic of the inspection plan was then addressed, with positions that in some cases differed. The matter is delicate, as the inspection body – an institution recognized by the Ministry of Agricultural Policy – must be able to act as a referee, yet often lacks the competence to do so. This creates the paradox that very often VinNatur's own members find themselves having to provide support to the inspectors.

We recently reviewed an orange wine, orange wine by Gravner, a natural wine that may be of interest to you.

In any case, this debut of Vinnatur in the capital is to be welcomed with satisfaction, given the largely positive outcome. The path of pooling knowledge and informing the public of professionals and enthusiasts about what has so far been achieved in natural wine and the consequent respect for nature has been undertaken in a decisive manner. And the response from the Roman public in terms of interest and participation was present and equally promising.