“THE ITALIAN EDGE”, HIGH TECH IS THE SECRET OF MADE IN ITALY IN THE WORLD: ICE (ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION) REVEALS ITALY’S WINNING SECRET TO BUYERS. TECHNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATIONS ARE THE FACTORS THAT BENEFIT FASHION, CARS, FOOD AND WINE IN THE WORLD

From Maserati to Pirelli, Kartell to Piaggio, Illycaffè to Gucci, to Lvmh Group, Geox, Fratelli Guzzini and Fiat, and also Brembo, Ferrari, Ferragamo, Agusta, Artemide, Ducati and Alfa Romeo, Acqua di Parma and Dainese: these are just some of the most famous and well-known “diamond point” names in fashion, design, automobiles, electronics and more and they share a fundamental characteristic: behind their unique and inimitable products, not only aesthetically, but above all to satisfy their fans, there is high-tech Made in Italy.
In the “Olympus” of these brands, whose stories are told in “The Italian Edge: Technology for Excellence”, the prestigious volume by The Italian Trade Commission (ICE), the wine world is also present. The Umbrian winery, Arnaldo Caprai, protagonist of the revival of Sagrantino of Montefalco, and Donnafugata, one of the most famous enological signatures of Sicily are testimonials to the high levels achieved in this field in Italy. Behind a good wine, there must be innovative research: this is the philosophy at the Arnaldo Caprai winery. After years of experiments and scientific research on one of the most important ancient cultivated vines, they were even able to travel back in time, thanks to a research program, unique in the world.
In Montefalco, where the winery is located, there is a vineyard in which they simulated what effects the climate would have on the vines in 50 years. This unique experiment was created to discover and anticipate the characteristics of future grape harvests that at present are affected by climate change in progress. Thanks to the curiosity of the head of the winery, Marco Caprai, who inspired the technical staff of the company led by Louis Mariani, the most authoritative Italian agro-meteorologist, a vineyard was planted in Sagrantino trying to reproduce the most immediate dynamics caused by overheating of the environment on this plant species: on one hand, covering the leaves with sheets to increase the temperature of the plants and at the same time interfering with photosynthesis while on the other hand, placing a sort of aluminum mirror to increase solar radiation.

One hundred and fifty years of experience and enological progress, the use of renewable energy, the careful fusion between tradition and science, next to the multi-disciplines and together with the continuous care for the environment have made the Donnafugata winery of Sicily, led by Giacomo Rallo, a point of reference for enology in Italy and elsewhere. It is a concrete example of Italian arts and crafts which, from the Middle Ages to present day have been able to adapt to the times, giving rise to a new “Renaissance” in the wine world.
An example is nighttime grape harvesting: a real and true technique to conserve the quality of the aromas of the grapes, reduce to a minimum the risk of micro-fermentations while harvesting during day time heat in Sicily could trigger them and compromise the aromas of the small Chardonnay grapes. Beyond controlling the quality level of the grapes, nighttime harvesting has other advantages: the work of the harvesters is less tedious and saves energy in the process of culling the temperature of the grapes before pressing. Behind the success of the Italian industrial model, there is a universe of arts and crafts. Crafts can be considered the main element of Made in Italy, harmoniously intertwined with the culture of sustainable industry based on local specialties.
Nouriel Roubini, economic professor at New York University and included among one of the 100 most influential people in the world, in “Time” magazine standings, says that the Italian Trade Commission (ICE) initiative represents “a valuable way to confirm the tradition of the Italian industry that small is often beautiful, particularly when this means motivation and technological progress”.