Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene
Valdobbiadene, Italy
07.09.2021
Nestled in the heart of northeastern Italy, between the historic towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, lies a landscape of extraordinary beauty and cultural significance: "The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene." In 2019, this unique terroir was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognized for its distinctive hogback hills, its centuries-old viticultural practices, and the profound harmony between human endeavor and natural environment.
A Landscape Forged by Centuries
The history of viticulture in this area dates back to Roman times, but it was from the 17th century onwards that the characteristic "hogback" hills, with their steep slopes, began to be shaped by human hands. Farmers painstakingly carved out `ciglioni` – small grassy terraces – to create narrow, parallel rows for vineyards, a testament to their enduring ingenuity in adapting to challenging terrain. Another distinctive feature, particularly around Conegliano, is the `bellussera` system, an ancient method of training vines developed in the late 19th century to protect grapes from fungal diseases and maximize sun exposure.
The Art of Viticulture
This region is the birthplace of Prosecco Superiore DOCG, a sparkling wine revered worldwide. The cultivation of the indigenous Glera grape variety is central to this heritage. The steepness of the slopes necessitates manual labor, preserving traditional practices and fostering a deep connection between the winemakers and their land. Generations have perfected methods that not only yield exceptional wine but also maintain the delicate ecological balance of the hills.
A Taste of Heritage
The "Prosecco Hills" represent an outstanding example of a cultural landscape, where the agricultural use of the land has created a unique aesthetic. It is a living landscape that continues to evolve while honoring its deep historical roots, offering a tangible link to the past and a vibrant future for its communities and traditions. The towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene serve as vital centers for this rich cultural heritage, each contributing to the legacy of Italian winemaking.
Further Links
Located in north-eastern Italy, the property includes part of the winegrowing landscape of the Prosecco wine production area. The landscape is characterized by ‘hogback’ hills, ciglioni – small plots of vines on narrow grassy terraces – forests, small villages and farmland. For centuries, this rugged terrain has been shaped and adapted by man. Since the 17th century, the use of ciglioni has created a particular chequerboard landscape consisting of rows of vines parallel and vertical to the slopes. In the 19th century, the bellussera technique of training the vines contributed to the aesthetic characteristics of the landscape.
Valdobbiadene (Italian: [ˌvaldobˈbjaːdene]; Venetian: Valdobiàden) is a town and comune (municipality) in the province of Treviso, Veneto, Italy.
The saint Venantius Fortunatus was born in the town in the 6th century.
Valdobbiadene is a wine growing area: located below the Alpine-Dolomite areas of Veneto, the climate allows the cultivation of the Glera variety of grape. The Conegliano Valdobbiadene area is the home of the best Prosecco, an extra dry sparkling white wine. Prosecco brands that derive from this area include Altaneve, Bisol, Mionetto, Col Vetoraz, Coda, Valdo and others. On 7 July 2019, Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conegliano (Italian: [koneʎˈʎaːno]; Venetian: Conejan) is a town and comune of the Veneto region of Italy in the province of Treviso, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) north by rail from the town of Treviso. As of 30 September 2017, the population of the city is of 35,023 people. The remains of a 10th-century castle are situated on a hill that dominates the town. Formerly belonging to the Bishop of Vittorio Veneto, what remains is a bell tower, which now houses a small museum, and outer walls. On 7 July 2019, Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
