Italian Winemakers Showcase Natural Wine Techniques in Lecce Tasting
A recent wine tasting event in Sandonaci, Lecce, Italy, brought together sommeliers and wine enthusiasts to explore the world of natural wines, featuring the expertise of Natalino Del Prete and the Princic winery. The event, hosted at the Natalino Del Prete
organic farm, focused on the unique characteristics of macerated wines and organic viticulture.
Del Prete’s Legacy and Collaboration
The event was inspired by Natalino Del Prete, described as an intrepid inspirer of wandering wines
, and his daughter Mina. They shared insights into the winemaking philosophy of Princic, a renowned Italian producer specializing in macerated wines. Fabrizio Miccoli, deputy delegate of the Italian Sommelier Association of Lecce, commented, Thanks to Natalino Del Prete, intrepid inspirer of wandering wines who together with his daughter Mina shared with Ais Lecce, partner of the main event on natural wines scheduled for 2021, an inspiring journey to the knowledge of Collio wines through the Princic style, one of the most renowned Italian production companies, and not only, of macerated wines.
Exploring the Wines of Princic
The tasting featured four IGT Venezia Giulia wines: Red from ancient Merlot vineyards, a White blend of local vines, Pinot Grigio 2017 (with short maceration), and Ribolla (with prolonged maceration). Approximately fifty individuals from the catering, production, and enthusiast communities participated, experiencing wines described as gastronomic
and particularly pleasant
.
The journey through these labels highlighted the impact of maceration on wine characteristics. A white wine blend of Chardonnay and Friulano was noted for its pleasant fruity and changing notes
and long mineral trail with a salty finish
. A red blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon presented vivid ruby tones
and fresh red fruit enriched with balsamic notes
.
Unique Pinot Grigio and Ribolla Interpretations
The 2017 Pinot Grigio, aged for three years in wooden containers after a 15-day maceration, stood out with its orange color and olfactory notes of carcadè, citrus hints and potpourri
. The Ribolla, likewise matured in wood for three years after a long maceration, was described as rich, with great personality and with a pleasant and dynamic mouth
.
Expert Endorsements and Organic Practices
Dario Poddana of Les Caves De Pyrene, a UK-based natural wine expert with a catalog of around 4000 labels, praised Princic’s commitment to study and rigor in the vineyard and in the cellar
, resulting in olfactory clean wines, with a strong flavour, persistent and rich in personality
. Natalino Del Prete’s winery is certified organic, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices – no fertilizers, no plowing, no irrigation and no chemicals
– since 1994.
The Del Prete family has been involved in viticulture for generations, with Natalino focusing exclusively on the craft. The estate spans 10 hectares in the towns of Guagnano and San Donaci, cultivating grapes including Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, and Aleatico.
Key Takeaways
This tasting event underscored the growing appreciation for natural winemaking techniques and the dedication of producers like Natalino Del Prete and Princic to crafting unique and flavorful wines. The emphasis on maceration, organic practices, and minimal intervention continues to shape the landscape of Italian viticulture.
FAQ
- What is maceration in winemaking? Maceration is the process of soaking grape skins, seeds, and stems with the juice during fermentation, extracting color, tannins, and flavor.
- What does ‘organic’ certification mean for a winery? It means the winery adheres to strict standards prohibiting the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
- Where is the Natalino Del Prete winery located? The winery is located in the towns of Guagnano and San Donaci in Salento, Italy.
Did you know? Natalino Del Prete’s wife reportedly said he would happily eat pasta for every meal!
Pro Tip: When exploring natural wines, don’t be afraid to experiment with pairings. These wines often have unique flavor profiles that complement a wide range of cuisines.
What are your thoughts on natural wines? Share your experiences in the comments below!