The Barolo Consortium relies on "screw cap" Sergio Germano. Among the issues to be resolved is the shifting of vineyards to the North

By Divina Vitale

Sergio Germano is the new president of the Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani Protection Consortium. After years as a councilor, a new opportunity has come for the historic Barolo producer, which he has chosen to seize. "I have always believed in the team," Germano commented to Gambero Rosso, "especially in teamwork, and this is an excellent opportunity to be concrete. The Consortium is a very important body, and after years, I have decided to get involved. Of course," he continues, "the commitment is great, but I will try to reconcile and honor this new role." He succeeds outgoing president Matteo Ascheri.

Germano is part of the "screw cap" group

Germano has been a long-time producer in Serralunga d’Alba. He inherited the family business – Ettore Germano – which he now runs with his wife Elena and children Elia and Maria. Recently, he joined The Unconventional group, which promotes the screw cap even for important reds. In fact, a few months ago, he presented the first Barolo with an aluminum closure, breaking a real taboo. But not only that. Germano was also among the first to focus on whites such as Riesling and above all on Alta Langa. "Alta Langa was a great intuition by the seven founding fathers, 12 years of experimentation to arrive at the establishment of the designation. A very beautiful project that has also grown well in positive convergence with taste changes."

What will happen to the shift northwards of the vineyards

On the delicate issue of the modification of the regulations, Germano prefers not to intervene. In recent months, in fact, there has been much talk of the proposal to move the Nebbiolo vineyards, for the production of Barolo and Barbaresco, to the northern-facing hillsides. A possibility that has created many disputes within the denomination. "At the moment, the voting consultations are open, and it is not correct to express opinions," Germano adds. "It is a topic to be addressed with great scientific rigor. Let's see what comes out when the deadline expires. As a producer, I can only affirm that Nebbiolo thrives as a grape variety in the sun." After all, his opinion as a producer had already been given in a recent survey by Gambero Rosso, in which he was very critical of the Consortium's choice to propose voting without real scientific preparation on the topic. The new board of directors will meet shortly, where this will probably be discussed as well. "We are ready," he concludes, "we should have the first meeting in about ten days, and we will evaluate the things already planned. Protection is fundamental, and the management of regulations is very important and undergoing transformation. There are many steps to climb. Probably, it will be discussed again in one or two years."