Regional Institute of Wine and Oil

Focus on the Sicilian wine world, the Polish tour

Sicily of wine and beyond was the destination of the tour promoted and organized by IRVOS in collaboration with the University of Krakow. Fourteen Polish producers had the opportunity to come into contact with the viticultural reality of western Sicily through visits to cellars and vineyards, meetings with Sicilian producers and ad hoc organized lessons.

A tour, from 28 August to 1 September, which is therefore part of the internationalization program conceived and successfully carried out by the Regional Institute of Wines and Oils of Sicily made possible thanks to the collaboration of the oenologist Agata Zofia Tabis of the University of Krakow. “The Polish producers – says Lucio Monte, head of the technical-scientific area – also had the opportunity to learn about the reality and activity of IRVOS”. In fact, in Marsala there is the largest laboratory of the Institute where tradition meets science. “Here, like every year – Monte always explains – we are starting to harvest and apply the test of some yeasts”. Among the gems, also the fermentation in amphora. At the helm of the laboratory is Daniele Oliva, head of the Biotechnology Unit: “In addition to the yeasts already tested – he explains – this year we are testing other types”.

A tour therefore which proved to be very interesting for the Polish producers who were truly enthusiastic. For them it was a learning opportunity, but it was also a stimulus for Sicilian producers. A visit which had the particularity of offering a complete picture of the world of wine: the Polish visitors had the opportunity to learn about and taste the various types of wine, from whites to reds, but also to learn about marketing strategies through, for example, “lesson” held by Antonio Rallo, president of Assovini, at the family business Donnafugata. Other stops were the Bianchi Distillery, the Feudo Montoni winery where a "lesson" on Nero d'Avola was held, and the Martinez company, leader in the production of Marsala. A food and wine tour in the best places in western Sicily is also inevitable. A positive experience that will be repeated in October, from the 17th to the 20th: this time the Sicilian producers will visit Poland.