THE PACT
Town mayor Andrea Rossi and Andrea Natalini, president of the Consortium of Vino Nobile producers, signed a pact with Qualità e Sviluppo Rurale and Marconi University in Rome to create a platform and set up a scientific laboratory in Montepulciano that would allow them to quantify how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere with the production of each bottle of wine.
“The goal of the Carbon Footprint project is to give our consumers more information about Vino Nobile di Montepulciano,” Mayor Rossi said. “This added value component underscores both the quality of our wine and the entire production system.”
Andrea Contucci, then vice president of the Consortium of Nobile producers, points out that “the synergy between the city and its wine producers will improve the quality of life of both our inhabitants and the tourists who come to visit”.
Now, with the first year of data in hand, Montepulciano is working to reduce the carbon emissions through a variety of best practices: alternative energy sources, the planting of trees and shrubs, photovoltaic panels and biomass logistics.
HOW THE CARBON EMISSIONS ARE CALCULATED
Data regarding emissions is gathered during the agricultural, business and transportation phases of production. Specifically, the team gathers information from activities related to the growth of the grapes and their journey to the cellars; they look at emissions as the wine is produced, bottled, labeled and packaged; and finally, they analyze the emissions related to wine distribution on a local, national and international basis. Data is collected from each participating winery and numbers are analyzed by an impartial panel based in Montepulciano.
An investment of time and money, this plan highlights the city’s commitment to their environment. It is their heritage and their future, and they plan on protecting it, from vine to table.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano vs. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Don’t get confused! Vino Nobile is made in Montepulciano with at least 70% Sangiovese and up to 30% other local varieties. Moreover, it was the first DOCG appellation in Italy. It has nothing to do with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a grape grown in the Abruzzo region.
With thanks to Silvia Loriga, communications manager of the Consorzio di Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
