C’è chi dal 1946 protegge e promuove il “Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG”

That of the Confraternity of Valdobbiadene, the first in Italy with a non-religious characteris a long-standing authority.

The association, composed of oenologists and leading figures in the wine sectorsince its foundation in 1946, has distinguished itself as reality diligent and careful in promote the knowledge, value and dissemination of wine production called "Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG'.. The objectives, achieved by maintaining and enhancing the best traditions of the culture of these lands, are the promotion of training proposals for member members and the dissemination of wine education for the benefit of the public. Loyalty, solidarity and mutual respect are the values that the Brothers have always pursued and wish to maintain, considering themselves first and foremost a group of technicians united by a common passion and a feeling of friendship.

The historical imprint also and above all emerges in the communicated image, who wants to give emphasis on originsto ensure that Valdobbiadene DOCG is recognised by the end user and distinguished from the many commercial products. To strengthen confidence in the original, numerous events and initiatives mark the calendar of the Confraternity, including rituals and investitures that have been repeated annually since its foundation. Among these recurs in the spring period the Bottle Selectionspokesman and symbol of a culture of quality which the Brotherhood pursues and supports in all its actions. Every year in fact, through a blind tasting session, the most representative sparkling wine of the territorial identity is chosen by the Brothers. The Bottiglia della Confraternita is then distributed in a limited edition, only 5,000 numbered pieces dressed with the symbols of the Confraternity that set the standard for typicality and vintage quality.

"The valorisation of the history and processing of an indigenous product such as Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG - states the Grand Master Loris Dall'Acqua - are our stimulus and inspiration, so that consumers recognise its value and quality. The protection and promotion of a product that is a symbol of our territory is also expressed in the Confraternity's support in monitoring and verifying the use of the territorial image'.

The Confraternity carries out a long-term control and protection activity so that the final public chooses today and always the sparkling wine that originates from these lands for all that it means, i.e. for the attention to cultivation, the hard work in harvesting, which is still carried out by hand, and the scrupulousness of the entire production chain that this product brings when it accompanies tastings, aperitifs or meals. All elements that determine its value.

The 'moral' supervisory role

The Brotherhood is not a company with commercial purposestherefore not directly involved in marketing dynamics; this allows it to exercise a moral' watchdog role addressed to the protection of the historical originality of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area.

Even if today the situation has changed a lot and our land is experiencing a moment of success, the principles that gave birth to the Confraternity of Valdobbiadene are still fundamental, because everything that has been painstakingly won must be defended, preserved and reconfirmed. In this age of globalisation, the only way forward still remains that of a strong territorial identification and communication.

The frescoed 'wine cellar

The headquarters of the Confraternity of Valdobbiadene is located in San Pietro di Barbozza (hamlet of Valdobbiadene), located in the "wine cellar" at the turn of Brunoro House, and is richly frescoed with Bacchic motifs.

All the solemn activities of the Confraternity of Valdobbiadene take place here: Winter Assemblyinvestiture of the new Brothers/Sisters, Summer Assemblyofficial meetings and representative relations.

The investiture of the new Brothers as 'Knights of Valdobbiadene' is honoured with a solemn ceremony on the occasion of the Marriage Feast of Canaan, which is traditionally celebrated on the last Saturday of January, when the new Knights of Valdobbiadene take a solemn oath in the presence of all the Brothers.

Heritage Hills (UNESCO)

2019 also remains a crucial year for the territory of the hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadeneofficially proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site. A nomination awarded to an area shaped by man, which over the centuries has been able to draw the texture of an enchanted landscape, where history, culture, traditions, climate and land come together in the true meaning of territory. This is a theme dear to the Confraternity of Valdobbiadene, which feels the moral duty to take responsibility for the reaffirmation of identity. "In 1946 our four founding fathers - stresses Grand Master Loris Dall'Acqua - With foresight, they had realised the strength inherent in the wine vocation of our wonderful hills. With the stubbornness that characterises people with deep roots, they faced the terrible moments of post-war reconstruction. We must rediscover and preserve these roots".

The images of these three boxes are by Cesare Gerolimetto