Natural Wines from Piacenza Hills Now in Supermarkets

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Vecchio Consorzio 1953 revitalizes Piacenza's winemaking with sustainable practices and artisan wines, enhancing local vineyards and community resilience.

Introduction

The wine industry is experiencing a renaissance, particularly in regions like Piacenza, Italy, where innovative initiatives are breathing new life into traditional viticulture. The Vecchio Consorzio 1953, founded by Massimiliano Croci and Pietro Gazzola, aims to revitalize local winemaking by prioritizing sustainable practices and promoting artisanal wines. With an emphasis on spontaneous fermentation and organic farming, this consortium is not just about producing wine; it’s about telling a story of heritage, sustainability, and community resilience.

The Challenge of Declining Vineyards

Understanding the Crisis

In the early 2000s, Piacenza faced a significant decline in vineyard acreage, losing nearly one-third of its cultivated land—approximately 2,000 hectares out of 6,900. This alarming trend prompted local farmers like Croci to take action. In 2021, he reported that the Val d’Arda region alone lost over 141 hectares in just five years. The situation called for a strategic approach to restore the area’s viticultural identity.

A Vision for Regeneration

Croci’s vision includes collaborating with local grape growers who do not bottle their own wine. By offering these suppliers up to 80% more than the market price, he hopes to incentivize sustainable practices among local farmers. The goal is clear: to support organic farming methods while also providing agronomic consulting services to help farmers transition to certified organic practices.

Artisanal Winemaking and Sustainable Practices

Emphasizing Tradition

At the heart of Vecchio Consorzio’s mission is the production of artisan wines made from grapes cultivated with respect for the environment. Their focus on indigenous yeasts and traditional techniques like bottle refermentation highlights a commitment to quality and authenticity in every bottle produced.

Production Growth

In its inaugural year (2022), Vecchio Consorzio transformed around 2,000 quintals of grapes sourced from eight local viticulturists into approximately 160,000 bottles of wine. As the consortium expands its network, they now collaborate with twelve suppliers and aim to increase production capacity significantly—targeting up to 500,000 bottles annually by processing as much as 5,000 quintals of grapes.

Market Strategy: Engaging Consumers through Retail Distribution

Targeting Major Retailers

To maximize reach and impact, Vecchio Consorzio has strategically partnered with major retail chains like Carrefour and Conad. By placing their wines in supermarkets across several Italian regions—including Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna—they aim to make quality wines accessible without compromising on craftsmanship.

Educating Consumers

The message is clear: consumers deserve wines free from chemical additives that reflect true terroir. Through partnerships with large distribution networks (GDO), Vecchio Consorzio aspires not only to sell wine but also educate consumers about spontaneous fermentation and organic viticulture practices. This approach resonates well with today’s eco-conscious shoppers looking for authentic products that tell a story.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Piacenza’s Future

Vecchio Consorzio 1953 embodies a powerful message: "Wake up Piacenza; it can be done." As they challenge the status quo of abandoned vineyards and declining consumption trends, their efforts signal hope for revitalizing this renowned wine region. By fostering community engagement through sustainable practices and strategic marketing alliances, Croci and Gazzola are paving the way for a brighter future—one where Piacenza’s rich winemaking heritage can thrive once more.

FAQ Section

What is Vecchio Consorzio 1953?

Vecchio Consorzio 1953 is an initiative aimed at revitalizing Piacenza’s viticulture through sustainable practices and artisan winemaking.

How does Vecchio Consorzio support local farmers?

They offer higher prices for grapes (up to 80% above market rates) and provide free agronomic consulting services for those transitioning to organic farming.

Where can I find Vecchio Consorzio wines?

Their wines are available at major retailers such as Carrefour and Conad throughout Italy.

What types of wines does Vecchio Consorzio produce?

The consortium focuses on artisan wines made from organically grown grapes using spontaneous fermentation techniques.

Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash