Regional Institute of Wine and Oil

Wines and Oils, the "jewels" of Sicily

Wine and oil, the two "treasures" of Sicily, were the protagonists of the event held in Barolo, in the Cuneo area, entitled "Sicily and Piedmont: jewels compared". A participation of IRVOS strongly desired by the director Dario Cartabellotta and completed by Lucio Monte, head of the technical-scientific area of the institute, and by the oenologist Gianni Giardina. “It was an opportunity – they comment – to promote our excellence in the viticultural and olive growing fields accompanied by equally as much food and wine excellence”.

In fact, a conference organized within the two days, 14 and 15 September, highlighted the oenological variety of Sicily: "We presented and tasted - explains Giardina - the various types of wine that represent Sicily's oenological, from Nero d'Avola to Grillo, from Passito di Pantelleria and Malvasia delle Lipari to sparkling wines, including one made with frappato, – he underlines – an organic red and Cerasuolo di Vittoria”. As for oils, however, the DOP Monti Iblei, the DOP Valli Trapanesi and the DOP Nocellara del Belice.

Conferences, meetings and themed dinners (the Sicilian chefs prepared dishes from the island's culinary tradition and the so-called street food, from panelle to boiled octopus) created with the aim of raising awareness and stimulating the in-depth study of two territories, that of Sicily and that of Piedmont, rich in culture, history, food and wine. “Love for the land” is the leitmotif of the event organized by the cultural association “Sicilia Europa”. “It all started with a group of friends – says Rita Bertolone, vice-president of the association – united by the desire to create culture. There are many Sicilians transplanted to Piedmont who know little about the traditions of their adopted region or perhaps have forgotten the cultural roots of their land. Our association wants to be a means of knowledge and discovery of these territories." Guest of honour, Giorgio Calabrese, internationally renowned nutritionist and president of Onav, the National Organization of Wine Tasters. The event was held at the Falletti Castle in Barolo which houses the WI MU, the wine museum which also pays homage to the history of the castle and the illustrious people who lived there.