Mountain Grand Prix

Mountain Grand Prix
Magazine: October 2007

You need a strong physique to cultivate mountain vineyards, because the altitude often exceeds a thousand meters and the lowest slopes have a 30% incline.

With unique characteristics, thanks to light and altitude, the vines are also the richest in resveratrol. The cradle of mountain wines is the Aosta Valley, while the Valtellina in Lombardy is the largest area of terraced vineyards in Europe. To protect and promote mountain wine production, the Aosta valley region created the CERVIM, the Center for Research, Study, and Enhancement of Mountain Wine Growing, a cooperative of mountain wine growing regions. Each year CERVIM organizes the International Mountain Wine Competition in collaboration with the chairman’s office of the Agriculture and National Resources of the Independent Region of Aosta Valley, the Union Internationale des Oenologues, the Italian Winemakers and Wine Experts Association, and the O.I.V (Organisation Internationale de la Vinge et du Vin).

... Mountain Grand Prix
It is the most important international wine competition, reserved for wines produced in mountains or steep hills, or terraced vineyards, with an aim to promote and enhance production in these territories. Winning for Abruzzo, the Pietrantonj co.; for Campania, Marisa Cuomo co., unforgettable wine producer from Furore, on the Amalfi Coast; for Liguria, Fontanacota co., and Tenuta Anfosso co., while for the Colli di Luni, the Luane Bosoni Cellars, and the Baia del Sole winery. For Lombardy, where terraced wine growing takes place in mountain zones like the Valtellina, little enterprises stood out, like in Valcamonica (recent Igt) the Rebaioli co. For Valtellina, splendid area dedicated to Nebbiolo, the Pietro Nera cellars, Caven Camuna, Casa vinicola Triacca, and the Fojanini foundation. Nebbiolo also for Piedmont with the honours going to Carlotta di Borgon Susa co.