There are natural treasure troves in the heart of our towns, places that preserve and enhance an agricultural, historical and cultural heritage of inestimable value. Urban vineyards are a splendid example of this; places where the vines grown in dedicated spaces within the urban fabric are often true gems of biodiversity.
Here, ancient varieties, in some cases very rare specimens and biotypes in the ampelographic panorama of a region, have been propagated over the centuries. La Vigna del Gallo “Diego Planeta” is located in the iconic Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo and so named in homage to the “father” of Sicilian viticulture. A state-of-the-art project in the heart of the city, created to preserve and enhance the island’s rich wine heritage, with a leading wine tourism approach. This vineyard, guardian of 95 biotypes of native vines, including renowned varieties such as Grillo and Nero d’Avola, is an excellent example of how historical memory can be enhanced through sustainable and innovative wine-growing practices.
Inaugurated in 2018, the Vigna del Gallo (Rooster’s Vineyard) is the result of the collaboration between the University of Palermo Museum System, the DOC Sicily Wines Consortium and the Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences of the University of Palermo. Occupying an area of 200 square metres within the Botanical Garden, the cultivated area is strategically positioned on the site of the ancient vineyard of the Sant’Erasmo plain, the historic estate of Duke Ignazio Vanni d’Archirafi.
“The Vigna del Gallo – says Filippo Paladino, Vice President of the Consortium – is not only a celebration of biodiversity, but also tangible evidence of the commitment of the DOC Sicily Wines Consortium in the protection and promotion of native vines. The Sicilian controlled designation of origin (DOC), established in 2012, was a milestone for recognising and enhancing the Sicilian wine continent.” This place, which is located in an urban context of enormous cultural value such as Palermo, has over time become a real centre of attraction for visitors from all over the world, who come to Sicily to discover the wine-growing riches of the island. “The Vineyard – continues Paladino – which is part of the International Association of Urban Gardens, The Urban Vineyard Association, contributes to making the Palermo Botanical Garden – one of Italy’s most important and historic botanical gardens – an essential destination for wine and nature lovers.” The phenomenon of urban vineyards is in perfect harmony with the mission of safeguarding the Sicilian wine-growing heritage: ”Without historical memory of the native vines, there would be no viticulture in Sicily”.
DOC SICILY WINES CONSORTIUM
The DOC Sicily Consortium (https://siciliadoc.wine/en/) came to life in 2012 with the aim of representing the wine of the Sicilian territory and promoting the Sicily DOC denomination, with activities aimed at increasing the visibility of a symbolic brand of Made in Italy and protecting and supervising in defense of consumers and producers. Almost 8,000 winemakers and around 500 bottlers are promoters of the Controlled Designation of Origin, a valuable recognition to represent them, but also to enhance and safeguard the island’s wine production. The Sicily DOC system produces sustainable excellences: many of the over 24 thousand hectares of vineyards in the Denomination are cultivated in compliance with the sustainable viticulture regulations of the SOStain Sicilia Foundation.