At the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles the nomination of the historic fortified wines of the “Sun Belt” as a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Site.
The candidacy of the historic fortified wines of the “Fascia del Sole” as a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Site represents an act of cultural diplomacy that transcends the boundaries of taste and oenology to establish itself as a manifesto of identity, protection and common vision. “From the Mediterranean to the World: Fortified Wines Towards UNESCO” was the title of the panel discussion that animated the Sal Borgo in Catania yesterday, as part of the Sweet, Fortified and Oxidative Wines Session of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
It was an intense and passionate confrontation involving institutions, consortia and international operators, united by the desire to restore centrality to a heritage that for too long has been considered niche. The union of Marsala, Jerez and Samos under the aegis of the “sun belt” is a necessary step to build bridges between cultures and nations, to reaffirm the value of heroic wines, the fruit of human toil and generous but demanding climates.
Cultural element
A crucial element that emerged from the discussion was the deep agreement between the historic denominations and their respective ruling classes-a commonality of vision that takes on strategic significance today. The great challenges of the contemporary world-the climate change, which challenges vineyards and production; the delicate generational transitions in wineries; and changes in the lifestyles and consumption styles, which sometimes seem to be moving away from these types-impose new strategies. It is not a matter of abandoning tradition, but of knowing how to reinvent it with courage, imagination and innovation, in order to return fortified wines to the role they deserve in the dialogue with consumers of the future.
Giuseppa Mistretta’s comment
“The nomination of the Sun Belt, which links the territories of Marsala, Jerez and Samos, is a strategic project of extraordinary value. It is not just about promoting wines of excellence, but a protection operation that embraces landscapes, winemaking techniques and a craftsmanship that is in danger of being dispersed. We support a project that looks to the future, honoring history and strengthening the ability to face common challenges together ” – stated Giuseppa Mistretta, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Regional Institute of Wine and Oil(IRVO).
Carmen Aumesquet states.
“Jerez recognizes the candidacy as an opportuunit to consolidate the historical link with Marsala and Samos. Our production, which has been dialoguing with international markets for centuries, can now be recognized as a cultural asset, a living testimony to the relationship between man, land and climate. Together we can face the transformations that our time imposes on us, from global warming to new consumer sensitivities “. – said. Carmen Aumesquet, head of promotion of the Consejo Regulador de los Vinos de Jerez y Manzanilla.
From Greece, Yannis Skoutas, President of the United Winemaking Agricultural Cooperative of Samos, stressed the community dimension: “Fortified wine is not just a product, but a collective narrative. Each drop encapsulates the toil of our winemakers, the resilience of the islands, the will to defend a legacy that belongs to all humanity. Today more than ever, the future of our wines depends on our ability to remain united, to pass on to new generations the pride and responsibility of this tradition .
From Marsala, Benedict Renda, President of the Consortium for the Protection of Marsala Wine, reiterated, “Marsala has always been a bridge between peoples and cultures. Including the wines of the Sun Belt in the UNESCO list means giving our work a universal value. To face climate change and new consumption habits, we must invest in research, communication and training, without betraying our identity “.
The floor is given to Councillor Andrea Guzzardi
The dialogue was also attended by Andrea Guzzardi, Councillor for Culture of the City of Catania, who spoke on behalf of the mayor. “The city of Catania,” he said, ” is proud to welcome such an important moment: recognizing fortified wines as a UNESCO heritage site means including our traditions in a worldwide network of shared values and opening up prospects for a sustainable future.
A crucial role in this challenge is played by thePaladins of Sicily Association, which with the coordination and Cabina di Regia of the Regional Department of Agriculture, headed by the Chief of Cabinet Eng. Calogero Foti, is following the path of the candidacy step by step. This body not only has the mandate to draft and assemble the dossier, but also takes care of the aspects of it transnational and intra-regional, ensuring the connection and coherence between the three denominations involved-Italy, Greece and Spain-in a unified and shared vision. In this sense, President Avv. Diego Maggio recalled how the challenge is to combine scientific rigor and evocative power: ” Demonstrating how these wines are identity elements of a Mediterranean civilization means bringing together enology, anthropology, history and landscape. It is a complex journey, but one of enormous cultural significance that represents the lived experience of these communities “.
The sweet wines session
Today’s day, Sept. 17, also marked the official opening of the work of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles – Sweet, Fortified and Oxidative Wines Session, which will culminate in the coming days with the awarding of medals and scores. Notable participation of Sicilian labels, competing in the different types with the Marsala, i Passiti di Pantelleria, the Lipari Malvasia, the Moscati di Noto and Siracusa: an enological mosaic that testifies to the vitality, excellence and capacity for innovation of Sicilian viticulture in the international context.
This year’s Concours work brings together 40 international jurors – including journalists, buyers, trainers and wine professionals – from 20 different nationalities. A signal of authority and global openness that is intertwined with the history of this competition, which Sicily is hosting for the third time since 2010, confirming itself as a privileged crossroads of international oenological dialogue.
