My discussion today is on UV-C rays, or better, on their germicidal power. I refer to electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 100 and the 280 nanometers capable of neutralizing the biological agents responsible for the onset of the main cryptogamic diseases of the vine, and not only. Be’, so far I would say nothing new, since the antibacterial and antifungal abilities of these waves were already tested in 1929. A valid help to reduce, or even eliminate, the many phytosanitary treatments unfortunately necessary in viticulture. I wonder at this point what are you expecting to use them?! The answer is simple: the right technology!

Well, there is an all-Italian green technology project, and more precisely Treviso: ICARO X4. A robot that radiates UV-C rays created for totally abolish chemistry in agriculture with a maximum coverage capacity of 10 ha. A hybrid rover with its own environmental laboratory installed in the area to be treated, capable of detecting wind speed through sensors, the temperature, humidity, the dew point, rain and other useful parameters.

A design almost in the pipeline developed by an innovative startup – Free Green Nature – founded by two partners who, thanks to their experience, they have combined mechanics and electronics. The result of this commitment has given life to a robotic unit that meets the needs of one increasingly sustainable viticulture. A dream of many, especially of those who want to be good for the environment.

The effect of UV-C rays on the DNA of bacteria, yeast and virus has been known for some time. The direct irradiation of long electromagnetic waves 260 nanometers, irreparably damaging the DNA of these pathogenic microorganisms, prevents their reproduction. But I wonder how this robotic unit behaves with all the other forms of life so important in the complex ecosystem of the vineyard.

To clarify my doubts, I asked some questions to Valter Mazzarolo, research and development director of Free Green Nature.

• Speaking of organic viticulture, the protection of beneficial insects is very important for respecting the complex ecosystem present in the vineyard. I have read that the robotic unit you have designed provides a treatment accompanied by a powerful jet of air that has the function of moving the foliage to spray all parts of the vine and at the same time keep away the beneficial insects. Am I right?

• As already written ICARO X4 radiates UV-C rays, electromagnetic radiationwith antibacterial and antifungal properties. Reiterated this, I wonder if, as well as eliminating fungi and bacteria, it can also have a destructive effect on the other microorganisms present in the vineyard. I am referring in particular to natural yeasts, unicellular fungi present on the vine, whose presence is important for those winemakers who, through spontaneous fermentations, they aim to obtain natural wines with greater identity.

• ICARO X4 acts at night and in complete autonomy for human safety. A machine designed also for small productions and heroic viticulture?

Cynthia, our company is preparing a quality automated and robotic production at the highest technological levels. The hope is to be an example for future generations.

Free Green Nature  www.freegreen-nature.it Way to work, 31B – Colle Umberto (TV)

Credit photo Free Green Nature

Quiet, I'm not giving any number, except those that come directly from Vinitaly, 49th International Wine and Spirits Exhibition that has just ended. Refer to the four-day event highlights that moves Italy wine, passions and business. Read a po'qui ...

• 576.000 bottles uncorked
• 200.000 tons of glass
• 8 tons of corks
• 130.000 glasses used
• 11.100 follower ofVinitalyTasting on Twitter
• 116.000 like the official page of Vinitaly on Facebook

There is no doubt, Vinitaly Vinitaly, a great showcase of the business in the wine industry that, for fans, is a special occasion to travel in the territories tasting wines. This is confirmed by the numbers of Italian viticulture processed data Veronafiere / Vinitaly.

• 380.000 about Italian wineries
• 665.000 hectares of vines
• 40 million hl of wine,  production 2014 estimated by Assoenologi (- 17% compared to 2013)
• 73 DOCG, 332 DOC and 118 IGT
• 10-12 billion euro turnover wine (5,1 arising from exports)

Figures that make your head spin, and not for wine tasting, but for the great resource that this area account for the future of the Italian economy. The simplifications bureaucratic and agricultural policies for the support of viticulture are essential and priority. In this regard it is hoped that the Uniform Code on Wine, and the extraordinary plan that provides for the allocation of 48 million euro for the protection of Made in Italy, has fully implemented soon.

"Wine as a whole is an area that is worth over 10 billion Euros, of which more than 5,1 generated by exports. "Ettore Riello, President of Verona fairs.

And 'essential to invest in the development of strategies to guarantee the quality and innovation in agriculture, nell'enoturismo and in the right communication for the dissemination of the culture of wine, knowledge of the territories and persons involved. All this is to ensure that a bottle of wine know transmit, as well as pleasure, emotions, history and territory.

Also, a hint of excitement in most of the catering staff in the proposals of the lesser known productions, would do well to wine, and would save varietals that make Italian viticulture richness that distinguishes us in the world. I say this everywhere and I will continue to say, for the passion I have for viticulture and for the agricultural world.

Below are some pictures of my day at Vinitaly 2015. No credit and no commitment, only a Monday passed in the company of people with the same passion for wine. What I liked? Be’, sicuramente salutare produttori già conosciuti in questi ultimi anni durante le mie visite, and others know that I'm going to find directly in the vineyard. In addition to this, I had the pleasure of doing good taste thus expanding the sensory experiences that over time help to form the 'baggage' needed for those living this area.

What I did not like? Surely the hustle and bustle that knows just who has been repeatedly at Vinitaly, an exhibition by large numbers, that for me, never replace the passion for the little ones.

A few weeks ago, in full Christmas, was held at Restaurant “The Cannetto” dell’Hotel Sheraton Milan Malpensa, the last wine travel year with a meeting between Fabio Fiorelli, pastry chef of the Hotel Danieli in Venice, and some wines of Lombardy. As always pleasant tasting and interesting meetings that have allowed me to listen to stories of life by exchanging opinions and experiences.

I will tell a story, the story of Alex Pollini. A man who after growing up in the countryside of Asti, land of great wines, finished university he moved to Milan to work. Despite the change of course of his life, move from a small company to a metropolis not made him lose the passion for wine-born youth.

Curiosity and interest in the traditions and regional wine, brought him in time to attend specialized courses to grasp the diversity of wine as an expression of the territory. It was at that time that was taking shape in his mind a project: no longer a simple fan taster, but turn into a small producer. But where to start? No real experience as an entrepreneur it nor as a producer, but especially, without land.

"Cynthia, it was then that my thoughts begin to turn to France and his long experience wine. About how some of his great wines are born to producers who did not own land but knew wisely select. The ability to refine and cut wines purchased from growers loyal, did the rest. "

He was convinced to follow suit. Choice as the Lombardy region, After a search that led him to meet many small farmers in the area of ​​Brescia and Bergamo ... after tests, analysis, tastings, cuts on cuts, finally the idea was realized: “The Origins”

"I knew I wanted to create the first-born of my project as a red and a white, Both wines not to denomination, but an expression of my idea. It 'was the genesis red Sutilis, which means "United Together", in honor of the two varieties that create it, ie Cabertnet Sauvignon and Merlot. A Bordeaux blend then, perhaps the most famous union of the world (... From the point of view oenological means) but also dedicated to my family, inspiration, to which are extremely linked. A wine 2010, aged in barrels and barrels that expresses the rigor and finesse of Cabernet and softness of Merlot in a union very interesting. Full-bodied and smooth with fruity and spicy notes and a freshness that expresses the potential evolutionary future. Afterwards was born white Magis, whose meaning "Of More" (dedicated to my wife) indicates the target: give something extra in terms of longevity and evolution than many whites existing good only by young. A wine with fruity and floral notes very pleasant. "

Of the two I tasted Sutilis; must still grow but interesting. The only thing that left me a bit’ puzzled is to think of a wine produced with grapes not personally followed by the producer. Perhaps because it is natural to think that wine is a product expression of the person and of the territory in the fullest sense. Then I said to myself: “If this can help agriculture, why not?” We'll talk again…

Pending… Good 2015

If you think that only a few days ago I was in Prepotto, on the eastern hills of Friuli, then it takes the nostalgia ...

My Friuli origin tie me to those lands, return, when the opportunity presents itself, it is always a pleasure. In this autumn then, with the colors of the vineyards so beautiful, it is even more.

It’ That's why I have not resisted when the friend Paolo Ianna asked me to join him for a Wine Trekking Experience.

You know Paul? Friends, in case you have not the pleasure, look at him in this movie where I started while explaining how to recognize a vine from the shape of its leaves.

During our walk in the vineyard, Paul spoke of viticulture referring in particular to the event just spent dedicated to the promotion of the culture of Schioppettino Prepotto.

Let's hear how it went ...

• Paul, for those who still do not know I ask, you know ... the "identity card" of Schioppettino Prepotto.

Cynthia. I answer, drawing heavily from an in-depth article on the journal Schioppettino bed of territorial culture “Tiere furlane – Friuli” released in October 2011 a firma di Maria Cristina Pugnetti, well prepared freelance journalist Friuli.

"Schioppettino, also called black Ribolla, would be part of the large family of Ribolle, tutte ben radicate in Friuli: Ribolla yellow, in friulano Ribuele, variety is the best known, mainly cultivated in the hills of the east between the provinces of Udine and Gorizia; Ribolla green Prosecco which should correspond to long; the ribuele spizade, who still identifies with the same Prosecco long as measured from the examination of DNA. Finally Ribolla black, a grape variety grown on the eastern hills, between the two provinces above named, and beyond the border, in Slovenia. Ribolla black found in the municipality of Prepotto the area where unable to give their best, through the resulting wine, known as Schioppettino or Pòcalza in Slovenian. The cluster is pyramid-shaped winged and good size. The berries are slightly oblong. The taste is quite pleasant, so as to be commonly consumed at the table. "

• What has emerged substantially in these days dedicated to the promotion of Schioppettino Prepotto?

We were able, in the two-day event Schioppettino Prepotto "ONLY FOR NATURE", to disclose the existence of an already well known enough wine, through a conference that described the life from its appearance. We were able to explain and show the "Vineyard Catalogue" made in 2005 Association of Manufacturers Schioppettino Prepotto. A vineyard that covers all the varieties of this grape variety found in the area, and then an archive from which to draw guidelines for new plants.

A guided tasting of well- 16 Schioppettino of 16 different companies Prepotto, in the glass to show a commitment to make a wine that manages to express a strong personality that emerges in each sample tasted very personal style in spite of the addresses. I would argue that those who participated it was a bit 'seduced ...

• We know that the treatments in viticulture, partly necessary, affect the work of the operators directly involved in the vineyards. But something is changing. In early 2014, in fact, regulations will come into force in safeguarding the health of growers. Paul, a te the oral.

From January 2014 entrerà in vigore the European Directive 2009/128 that rule through new parameters totally different from the past, the use of pesticides in agriculture. Through a far-sighted and intelligent strategy can transform the application of Directive (tax), a valuable opportunity for development and greater attractiveness of the assets obtained with a type of agriculture more careful.

Sustainability and compatibility are the requirements that should and must have the products to gain or regain the consumer markets more demanding. Compatibility 360 degrees: environmental, social and seeks to increase the profitability of companies.