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The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is widely cultivated worldwide owing to the substantial commercial value of the grapes and other products derived from their processing, wines in particular. The grapevine is characterized by a remarkable phenotypic plasticity within the same variety, which shapes the final berry quality attributes hence reflecting the complex interactions between the plant and the environment leading to the expression of wine typicity. In this study, we explored the metabolomic and transcriptomic basis of the plasticity of Glera, a white berry grapevine variety particularly renowned for the production of wine Prosecco. The two selected vineyards varied for site altitude and pedoclimatic conditions. We highlighted that these environments determined different berry ripening dynamics at the level of both technological parameters and the total abundance and intrafamily distribution of phenolic compounds. Moreover, a clear impact on the grape aroma profile was observed. The genome-wide gene expression analysis of the berries revealed remarkable differences in the ripening transcriptomic program, reflecting the differences in water status, light exposure, and temperature experienced by the plants while growing at the two sites. Overall, this survey portrayed how the quality attributes of the cv 'Glera' grape berries may be affected by different environmental conditions within the typical area of Prosecco wine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essay aims to examine all those literary texts from the sixteenth century to nowadays that mention the Prosecco, a wine particularly celebrated in the Renaissance because it was considered the descendant of the ancient Pucino praised by Pliny the Elder. By retracing the multiple identities that this wine assumed over the centuries, this work aims not only to shed new light on the history of the Prosecco wine, but also to emphasize the role that literature can play in enhancing wine and food products that have a long and rich history.

Despite attention to sustainability growing in the last decade in the wine sector, the rate of association with wine sustainability programs still appears to be limited. This is mainly related to the uncertainty about the economic benefits related to the implementation of sustainable best practices. In this regard, some studies highlighted that the presence of professionals capable of managing the requirements promoted by the standards generally leads to a positive perception of their impact on the economic performances of companies. Therefore, to encourage participation in sustainability programs, the adoption of a collaborative approach to share the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the transition from a conventional organization to a sustainable one seems to be a functional strategy. This paper presents the Prosecco Sustainability Project as a case study to investigate how a structured set of activities must be deployed through a participatory/collaborative approach to significantly improve the level of sustainability of a wide and heterogeneous community of grape and wine producers. The case study highlights that the collaboration between different actors and the guidance from a coordinating figure capable of fostering dialogue and cooperation among the various stakeholders represent key elements to the large-scale deployment of a sustainable management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the use of European geographical names in certain countries of the so-called 'New World' (i.e. nations reached in the past by waves of European migration) and the impact of such migration on the debate around the protection of geographical indications (GIs). Specifically, the article analyses four GIs case studies – 'Prosecco', 'Budweiser', 'Rioja' and 'Parmesan' – which highlight the role of migration in this context and how countries of the New World (e.g. US, Canada, Australia, etc.) emphasise this role to argue that several European geographical names of food and wine products are just the generic terms for the products themselves. The 'migration' factor however is downplayed by the EU (i.e. the Old World), which stresses that European GIs still have a distinctive function linked to the geographical origin of the underlying product and should be protected in Europe and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the literature on environmental sustainability in global value chains (GVCs) focuses on how 'lead firms' (usually global buyers or retailers) can improve the environmental conditions of production among their various layers of suppliers. This approach focuses on the vertical governance dynamics of environmental upgrading along with GVCs. In our contribution, we emphasize the role of horizontal governance as a driver that underpins environmental upgrading processes. These horizontal elements include institutional support, pressure from civil society groups and political dynamics at the local level – which have been relatively overlooked in this literature so far. We examine environmental upgrading in Italian wine value chains, focusing on the fast-growing but environmentally-contested Prosecco and Valpolicella districts. Our analysis suggests that firms within the same industry may follow different processes of environmental upgrading – through certification, going 'back to tradition', technological innovation and/or as an articulation of local politics – also depending on their size. We conclude that horizontal governance is playing a more important role than previously thought in shaping environmental upgrading and provide some suggestions for future research in this realm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A breeding program to produce new grape varieties tolerant to main vine fungal pathogens (Plasmopara viticola and Erysiphe necator) is carrying out by crossing Vitis vinifera cv. "Glera" with resistant genotypes such as "Solaris," "Bronner," and "Kunleany." Firstly, resistance gene‐based markers analyses allowed the identification of five genotypes, which have inherited the resistance loci against mildews. To select those that also inherited the phenotype as close as possible to 'Glera' suitable to be introduced in the Prosecco wine production protocols, the grape glycosidic derivatives were studied by UHPLC/QTOF mass spectrometry. Targeted identification of the metabolites was performed using a database expressly constructed by including the glycosidic volatile precursors previously identified in grape and wine. A total of 77 glycosidic derivatives including many aroma precursors and some variety markers, were identified. Original resistant genotypes had distinct metabolomic profiles and different to 'Glera', while the crossings showed varying similarity degrees to V. vinifera parent. Findings demonstrated the Glera × Bronner and Glera × Solaris crossings are more suitable to produce high‐sustainable Prosecco wines. Coupling of glycosidic volatile precursors profiling to multivariate statistical analysis was effective for phenotypic characterization of grapes and to evaluate their enological potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period 2019-2022, the agrobiological specifics of two clones introduced from Italy were studied at the Institute of Viticulture and Enology – Pleven: P4 from the Albana variety and ESAV19 from the Prosecco variety. The study was carried out on stem training system, with an equal individual load of 32 winter eyes per vine. The research showed that the Albana P4 cluster was large to very large, cylindrical-conical, with 1 or 2 large wings, loose, and the Prosecco ЕСАV19 was medium to large, cylindrical-conical, semi-compact. The phenological observations revealed that in Albana P4 the phenophases “budding”, “beginning of flowering” and “beginning of grape ripening” occurred 2-7 days earlier compared to Prosecco ESАV19. According to the grape maturing period, Albana P4 could be attributed to the group of medium-ripening grape varieties (September, 1-15), and Prosecco ЕСАV19 – to the lateripening ones (September 16-30). The clones were characterized by good actual fertility, which was determined mainly by the shoots with 1 and 2 clusters and very good productivity. Under the conditions of the experimental work, the accumulation of sugars in the grapes of Albana P4 was more intense, keeping a higher level of titratable acidity. The studied clones adapted very well to the soil and climate conditions of the micro-region of Pleven and could be spread over larger areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is widely cultivated worldwide owing to the substantial commercial value of the grapes and other products derived from their processing, wines in particular. The grapevine is characterized by a remarkable phenotypic plasticity within the same variety, which shapes the final berry quality attributes hence reflecting the complex interactions between the plant and the environment leading to the expression of wine typicity. In this study, we explored the metabolomic and transcriptomic basis of the plasticity of Glera, a white berry grapevine variety particularly renowned for the production of wine Prosecco. The two selected vineyards varied for site altitude and pedoclimatic conditions. We highlighted that these environments determined different berry ripening dynamics at the level of both technological parameters and the total abundance and intrafamily distribution of phenolic compounds. Moreover, a clear impact on the grape aroma profile was observed. The genome-wide gene expression analysis of the berries revealed remarkable differences in the ripening transcriptomic program, reflecting the differences in water status, light exposure, and temperature experienced by the plants while growing at the two sites. Overall, this survey portrayed how the quality attributes of the cv ‘Glera’ grape berries may be affected by different environmental conditions within the typical area of Prosecco wine production.

A pillar of wine authenticity is the variety/ies used. Ampelographic descriptors and SSR markers, included in several national and international databases, are extensively used for varietal identification purposes. Recently, SNP markers have been proposed as useful for grape varietal identification and traceability. Our study has been directed toward the development of a molecular toolbox able to track grape varieties from the nursery to the must. Two complementary approaches were developed, exploiting SNP markers with two different technologies, i.e., a high-throughput platform for varietal identification and a digital PCR system for varietal quantification. As proof-of-concept, the toolbox was successfully applied to the identification and quantification of the "Glera" variety along the Prosecco wine production chain. The assays developed found their limits in commercial, aged wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: FLOT regimen is the standard perioperative treatment in Western countries for patients with locally advanced gastric (GC) or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJC). High microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and Mismatch Repair deficient (dMMR) demonstrated a favorable prognostic role and a concomitant negative predictive impact on the benefit of perioperative 5-fluorouracil-based doublets; however, its role in pts receiving FLOT chemotherapy is still unclear. Methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter observational study of 265 pts with GC/GEJC treated with perioperative FLOT regimen in 11 Italian oncology centers between January 2017 to December 2021 and analyzed for microsatellite status. Results: The MSI-H phenotype was found in 27 (10.2%) of 265 analyzed tumors. Compared to microsatellite stable (MSS) and Mismatch Repair proficient (pMMR) cases, MSI-H/dMMR were more frequently female (48.1% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.0424), elderly pts (age > 70 years, 44.4% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.0003), Laurens's intestinal type (62.5% vs. 36.1%, p = 0.02) and pts with a primary location tumor in the antrum (37 vs. 14.3%, p = 0.0004). A statistically significant difference in the rate of pathologically negative lymph node emerged (63% vs 30.7%, p = 0.0018). Compared to the MSS/pMMR tumor population, the MSI-H/dMMR subgroup had a better DFS (median not reached [NR] vs. 19.5 [15.59–23.59] mos, p = 0.031) and OS (median NR vs. 34.84 [26.68–47.60] mos, p = 0.0316). Conclusions: These real-world data confirm that FLOT treatment is effective in daily clinical practice for locally advanced GC/GEJC, also in the MSI-H/dMMR subgroup. It also showed a higher rate of nodal status downstaging and a better outcome of MSI-H/dMMR pts in comparison to MSS/pMMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several researchers stated that climate change effects are arising quickly in the Mediterranean region. Temperature increasing and droughty summers are two of the most common patterns threatening sparkling wines' grape quality. The present study investigated nitrogen nutrition to enhance acidity and preserve the aromatic compound on Vitis vinifera var. Glera for producing white sparkling wine. Half of the one-hectare vineyard placed in northeast Italy was fertigated with nitrogen during summer, while the control half received only mineral fertilization in spring as usual in the area. The trial lasted three years. The grapes' quality was monitored and compared at harvest. The statistical analysis proved an affordable trend among treatments in which the fertigated grapes showed, on average, more free amino acids (+32%), more yeast assimilable nitrogen (+71%), more acidity (+21%), and lower total soluble solids concentration (−3%) than the control grapes. Energy storage, fruit yield, and wood mass were measured too. The study proved the nitrogen supply did not affect either fruit yield or plant vigor. Therefore, nitrogen fertigation has been confirmed to be a reasonable growing practice to preserve wine's aroma and acidity against climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prosecco wine production has been strongly extended in the last decade and several new clones have been introduced. "Glera" (minimum 85%) and "Glera lunga" are grape varieties of great economic impact used to produce Prosecco wines. Study of grape berry secondary metabolites is effective in the classification of vine varieties and clones. High-resolution mass spectrometry provides complete panorama of these metabolites in single analysis and coupling to statistical multivariate analysis is successfully applied in vine chemotaxonomy. Objectives: update and deepen the knowledge on the "Glera" and "Glera lunga" berry grapes chemotaxonomy and investigate some of the most produced and marketed clones by using the modern analytical and statistical tools. Methods: five clones of "Glera" and two of "Glera lunga" grown in the same vineyard with same agronomical practices were studied for three vintages. Grape berry metabolomics was characterized by UHPLC/QTOF and multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the signals of main metabolites of oenological interest. Results: "Glera" and "Glera lunga" showed different monoterpene profiles ("Glera" is richer in glycosidic linalool and nerol) and differences in polyphenols (catechin, epicatechin and procyanidins, trans-feruloyltartaric acid, E-ε-viniferin, isorhamnetin-glucoside, quercetin galactoside). Vintage affected the accumulation of these metabolites in berry. No statistical differentiation among the clones of each variety, was found. Conclusions: Coupling HRMS metabolomics/statistical multivariate analysis enabled clear differentiation between the two varieties. The examined clones of same variety showed similar metabolomic profiles and enological characteristics, but vineyard planting using different clones can result in more consistent final wines reducing the vintage variability linked to genotype × environment interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the aromatic characterization of commercially available Prosecco wines with a price range between EUR 7 and 13 was carried out. These wines came from three different areas of origin: Valdobbiadene, Asolo and Treviso. Seventy volatile compounds were identified and quantified in the wines. Quantitatively, the wines were mainly characterized by compounds of fermentation origin (alcohols, acids, esters), and C6-alcohols, and to a lesser extent, terpenes, low molecular weight volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), and benzenoids. To determine their impact on the aroma of Prosecco wine, the respective OAVs were calculated. The molecules with higher OAV were ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, and β-damascenone. More generally, esters, responsible for fruity notes, seemed to play a major role in the aroma of Prosecco wine. Investigation into the possible effect of different production zones indicated 16 significantly different compounds accounting for differences between the various areas of origin of the wines, being mostly VSC, esters and C6-alcohols. A sensory evaluation through a sorting task highlighted the formation of clusters; wine samples were divided into two main groups partially attributable to the areas of origin. From a chemical point of view, cluster A was richer in esters, while cluster B had, on average, higher concentrations of compounds associated with wine aging such as cyclic terpenes, norisoprenoids (TDN and vitispirane), and VSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, criticisms arose in society over sustainability in viticulture, due particularly to environmental and health concerns about pesticide use. The presence of social conflicts is well documented in some renowned wine areas as the Bourgogne in France and the Prosecco in Italy. As a novel contribution, this paper provides empirical insights into winegrowers' commitment and will and related motivations towards environmental sustainability in the Prosecco Hills area, where social conflicts are well documented around this relevant facet, but little is known on the part of producers. This study aims to explore the pro-environmental behavioral intention of Prosecco winegrowers, focusing on its behavioral determinants, namely knowledge, responsibility, and self-identity. Data collection was held from August to December 2021 through a structured online questionnaire sent to Prosecco winegrowers. We obtained 87 completed questionnaires and data were analyzed through Partial Least Square Structural Equation modeling using SmartPLS software. The results suggest that, on average, winegrowers in our sample show a high pro-environmental behavioral intention. Moreover, the results associate a higher intention to adopt pro-environmental behavior and a higher responsibility towards sustainable viticulture with winegrowers' having a good knowledge of farming practices beneficial for the environment. Moreover, winegrowers who feel more responsible for acting sustainability towards the environmental in the area and those who view themselves as pro-environmental farmers intend to farm more sustainably. Our results have implications to support the design of locally adapted strategies and policies aimed at improving the diffusion of more sustainable farming practices and resolving local conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its 2009 adoption of 'Prosecco' as a geographical indication ('GI') for Italy, the European Union ('EU') has sought, and continues to seek, its protection worldwide. Australia, itself a sizeable prosecco producer, has opposed this movement, because it recognises Prosecco as a grape variety, rather than a GI. The grape variety objection has since dominated critique of the EU-Australia stand-off. However, it is only one aspect of the wine GI regime, which includes various rules and exceptions, as well as important interplays between national, supranational (EU) and international levels. This article considers the object and purpose of these multi-level regimes in their determination of GIs, as well as permissible exceptions to wine GI status. It offers a holistic understanding of the wine GI regime and its application to Prosecco. In doing so, it brings to bear the conflicting approaches to wine GIs that will make it difficult to reconcile the EU and Australian position on Prosecco, even with the help of international law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The real-time monitoring of the pH values of alcoholic beverages was performed with a compact wireless device based on a colorimetric detection method with the Hue (H) as the analytical signal working in a pH range of 2.50–6.50. This device represents the first colorimetric pH meter reported in the literature monitoring in real-time the pH value of colored solutions. This pH meter consists of I) a nitrocellulose membrane impregnated with a pH-sensitive gel; II) a CCD camera for color acquisition; III) an electronic board with the calibration profiles of H vs. pH, and IV) a display to read the measured pH. It was applied to the pH determination of a white wine, a prosecco white wine, and a double malt beer leading to the values of pH wine = 3.30, pH prosecco = 3.33, pH beer = 4.29. The analytical performance is comparable to the glass electrode with an accuracy error ≤ 0.05 pH units. [Display omitted] • First colorimetric pH meter with real-time monitoring of wine and beer pH. • The nitrocellulose support enables the in-line detection of pH. • Sensor reusable, robust, and stable over one month. • pH errors comparable to the ones of the glass electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Somatic mutations in Vitis spp. are relatively frequent and can generate new agronomically interesting phenotypes. We report the discovery, genetic and chemical characterization of 'Glera rosa', a mutant for the berry skin colour of 'Glera', the main white cultivar used to produce Prosecco wine. RESULTS: We ascertained the relationship between the skin colour of 'Glera rosa' and the polymorphisms in the Myb‐gene transcription factors involved in polyphenol biosynthesis. We established that VvMybA1 was homozygous (VvMybA1a/VvMybA1a) in 'Glera' but heterozygous (VvmybA1a/VvmybA1b) in the 'Glera rosa' mutant. We verified that the VvMybA1a non‐functional allele contained Grapevine Retrotransposon 1 (Gret1), while in the VvmybA1b allele Gret1 was missing, and the gene function was partially restored. The effects of mutation on 'Glera rosa' grape metabolites were studied by high‐resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Fifteen anthocyanins and five unique flavonols were found in the 'Glera rosa' mutant. The mutation also increased the contents of trans‐resveratrol and its derivatives (i.e., piceatannol, E‐ε‐viniferin, cis‐ and trans‐piceid) and of some flavonols in grape. Finally, the mutation did not significantly affect the typical aroma precursors of Glera grape such as glycosidic monoterpenes, norisoprenoids and benzenoids. CONCLUSION: 'Glera rosa' could be an interesting genetic source for the wine industry to produce Prosecco DOC rosé typology (made by adding up to 15% of 'Pinot Noir'), which was introduced to the market in 2020 with a worldwide massive success. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defined as signs denoting products linked to discrete characteristics of an area, geographical indications (GIs) acquired prominence in the economic development agenda. Gains from GIs triggered processes of redefinition and extension of the underlying territorial boundaries. Extensions increased the number of beneficiaries of the returns from GIs but also ignited tensions that deserve to be observed to distil theoretical insights on the evolution of indications and actionable guidelines for practitioners and policymakers. This study investigates the processes governing the settlement of tensions after the extension of a GI and attempts at understanding how contestations among incumbents and newcomers can be managed. Through a retrospective longitudinal analysis of the Prosecco extension, we find that incumbents and newcomers clashed based on different visions of the GI. Three elements allowed the management of tensions: political agency, the design of governance mechanisms, and a territorial portfolio strategy. • The paper sheds light on the tensions ensuing from the enlargement of a GI. • How tensions can be managed is studied in the context of the Prosecco GI. • Incumbents and newcomers engage in contests and mobilize opposing cognitive frames. • The paper systematizes the determinants of two opposing frames in the Prosecco GI. • Political agency, governance, a portfolio strategy ensure the stability of the GI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the aromatic characterization of commercially available Prosecco wines with a price range between EUR 7 and 13 was carried out. These wines came from three different areas of origin: Valdobbiadene, Asolo and Treviso. Seventy volatile compounds were identified and quantified in the wines. Quantitatively, the wines were mainly characterized by compounds of fermentation origin (alcohols, acids, esters), and C6-alcohols, and to a lesser extent, terpenes, low molecular weight volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), and benzenoids. To determine their impact on the aroma of Prosecco wine, the respective OAVs were calculated. The molecules with higher OAV were ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, and β-damascenone. More generally, esters, responsible for fruity notes, seemed to play a major role in the aroma of Prosecco wine. Investigation into the possible effect of different production zones indicated 16 significantly different compounds accounting for differences between the various areas of origin of the wines, being mostly VSC, esters and C6-alcohols. A sensory evaluation through a sorting task highlighted the formation of clusters; wine samples were divided into two main groups partially attributable to the areas of origin. From a chemical point of view, cluster A was richer in esters, while cluster B had, on average, higher concentrations of compounds associated with wine aging such as cyclic terpenes, norisoprenoids (TDN and vitispirane), and VSC.

This paper assesses the price premiums and discounts for nine sparkling wine types or names commonly employed in Australia. Hedonic wine price functions are estimated for 10 years of wine releases to identify the specific price impact of different sparkling wine types or names, after controlling for other wine price determining factors. Results identify that important price premiums occur with the use of blanc de blancs and other less common sparkling reds. An important price discount is estimated for prosecco wines. Sparkling wine type interactions with climatic regional conditions and cellaring potential also point to some interesting results. The estimates may have potentially important implications for the strategic use of wine types and names by producers and for consumers in identifying good valued sparkling wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multifunctional role of Trees Outside Forests (TOF) is largely recognized in scientific literature, but they are still rarely considered in forest inventories and planning, with consequent underestimation of their role and amount. In addition, their cultural role has rarely been considered both at scientific and management level as well as in UNESCO sites. TOF characterize many European cultural landscapes, including the one of the Colline del Prosecco, inscribed in 2019 in the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the reasons of the inclusion, in fact, is the landscape mosaic made of vineyards interspersed with small woodlands and tree rows. This paper focuses on two types of TOF, Small Woods and Linear Tree Formations (TOF NON A/U). Their detailed mapping and the performing of different spatial analysis allowed us to assess their role and to provide data for future monitoring and for local forest planning. Results confirmed that TOF NON A/U are one of the main features of the UNESCO site landscape: despite the limited overall surface (1.95% of the area), 931 different patches have been identified. Spatial analysis highlighted the key landscape and ecological roles, acting as intermediate features between large forest patches, and also an important role for hydrological protection (they can be found also in slopes above 80% of inclination). The study provided a detailed mapping and database of one of the main features of the Colline del Prosecco UNESCO site cultural landscape, verifying the multifunctional role of TOF NON A/U and the necessity to include them into local forest planning, but also suggesting their inclusion in national forest inventories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to contribute to the debate around the legality of the Prosecco geographical indication (GI). The article's main point is to demonstrate that the term Prosecco does satisfy the conditions laid down in Article 22 of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and that its protection as a GI in both the European Union (EU) and other countries does not run counter to TRIPS. Through a review of the relevant literature, the article shows that this term has been used for many centuries in the northeastern part of the Italian peninsula to refer to a high-quality wine, including in the territory around the village of Prosecco in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy. This suggests a strong link between that area and the quality and reputation of the famous Italian sparkling wine and strengthens the EU and Italy's claims for the protection of the term Prosecco as GI in both the EU and other countries that sign trade agreements with the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Article 22 of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights defines Geographical Indications (GI). However, GI claims are increasingly contentious. Given the significance of trade barriers which can arise from unjustified GI claims, the article argues that legitimacy of GI claims must turn on whether objective evidence exists to the effect that Article 22(1) criteria are met. This article tests certain elements of the EU 'Prosecco' GI claim – that its qualities and characteristics are essentially attributable to the relevant location – against Italian production specifications to determine whether they provide evidentiary justification for the GI claim. This reveals evidence of absence of consistent qualities or characteristics in 'Prosecco' wine. The article additionally examines evidence explaining why this is so. The consequence of this conclusion is that the EU 'Prosecco' GI claim must rest solely upon the concept of 'reputation' for its legitimacy. Moreover, the approach taken by this article can be utilized to test the legitimacy of any GI claim so far as it relates to quality and characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention to sustainability is growing in the wine sector, but the rate of association to wine sustainability programs or schemes still appears to be limited. To encourage participation in sustainability programs, a collaborative approach adoption to share in wine communities the skills and knowledges necessary to manage the transition from a conventional organisation of production to a sustainable one, seems to be a functional strategy. This paper, present as case study, the Prosecco Sustainability Project, to investigate how a participatory/collaborative approach coordinated by an interbranch organization to facilitate the adoption of sustainable best practices by companies, can actually be developed. Results show that is necessary a strong integration and collaboration between different actors and that guidance from a coordinating figure who is able to foster dialogue and cooperation among the various stakeholders involved is needed.

Prosecco, a wine that two decades ago was virtually unknown outside of Italy and was considered inferior to other sparkling wines, has become immensely popular. But how did Prosecco producers gear up to meet a booming demand in a highly regulated wine industry such as Italy's? Is this an example of an inclusive growth trajectory? Who is capturing the benefits of this growth and who is bearing its hidden costs? Through the case study of Prosecco, I identify the everyday practices and struggles that underpin the growth of Prosecco in relation to nature, landscape and land use, and examine how the environmental, health and other hidden costs of agro-food value chains shape various layers of visible conflict. The great growth that has characterized the 'Prosecco miracle' of the 2010s arises from the reinvention of a geographic origin that was under threat following the 2008 EU wine reform. The 'discovery' of a village named Prosecco, located quite far from the original core area of Prosecco production, provided the vector for a large expansion of Prosecco viticulture and wine production, and the emergence of a veritable export bubble. This expansion, supported by key institutions, regulators and the regional political elite, is putting pressure on nature and landscapes and is fomenting local protests against indiscriminate agro-chemical spraying. I find that, while the industry claims to be addressing its key sustainability challenges, a number of conflicts and tensions persist. Ultimately, the case study of Prosecco provides key insights to current debates on the hidden costs of agro-food value chains and their resulting conflicts – confirming that commodity expansion is often linked to processes of appropriation of nature, landscapes and territories, and to the ability of business to capture surplus while externalizing the hidden social, health and environmental costs of production. • Prosecco wine was virtually unknown outside of Italy two decades ago, but has now become immensely popular. • The expansion of Prosecco production has come with hidden health, environmental and other costs. • While the industry seeks to address its key sustainability challenges, a number of conflicts persist. • Agro-food value chain growth is often linked to frontier expansion and appropriation of nature, landscapes and territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 30 years, numerous studies analysed the factors that affect land prices mainly using the Hedonic Pricing method. These studies have shown that many factors can affect land prices (e.g. land and surrounding territory characteristics, accessibility, proximity to urban area, etc.). However, they rarely addressed the analysis of the reliability of the models by comparing the estimated values to the observed one. Attempting to face this problem, our study analysed the land market of the "Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore PGDO" area. Despite the quite high coefficient of determination (r² = 0.76) and statistical significance of the model parameters, we found that the percentage absolute deviation between observed and estimated value is higher than 30% in 34% of cases. Our results seem to suggest that future researches should devote particular attention to the analysis of the discrepancies existing between estimated values and market prices in order to support the appraisal activity of professional valuers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]