Mezzacorona has long been concerned with the environmental impact of its activities on the local environment. In the early ‘80’s, Mezzacorona proposed “The Protocol for a High-Quality Wine Production in Trentino”, a proposal aimed at regulating the cultivation, new vineyards, green care and other processes, in order to promote sustainable agriculture. Nowadays, this protocol regulates over 90% of wine production in the Trentino county.

A technical commission oversees that protocol rules are followed and tests each new method or product before its use introduced in the fields.
Every time a better or more secure system is available, wineries fund additional expenses to implement them.

In order to have a high quality system, it is necessary to establish a strong relationship with the growers. In order to allow farmers to become guardians of the environment, it is fundamental to guarantee them a fair and stable income. A group of vineyard managers works side-by-side with the producer throughout the decision-making process and keeps him updated about the technical improvements in the fields. This system allows the farmer to be the first one to see and enjoy the results of the clean techniques implemented.

In order to reduce chemical treatments as much as possible, new alternative methods have been introduced, for instance, the correct use of copper and sulfur (also permitted in organic cultivation), the introduction of positive insects in the vineyard and the use of the “sexual confusion”, a biological system used to fight against hazardous bugs, by limiting their reproduction through pheromone over-stimulation.

Close attention to the plant and vigilant pruning allow the grapes to be optimally ventilated and well protected. Innovative irrigation systems maximize the use of water resources and guarantees that water arrives where it is needed most.
The winery, through its superior compensation system, maximizes production while ensuring the quality and health standards of the grapes and the environment.

By growing grass, the fields are protected from erosion and thanks to the recycling of plant waste as a fertilizer, the use of commercial fertilizers is greatly reduced. During the harvest, Mezzacorona grape pickers select and harvest the grapes by hand the grapes that will be taken to the winery.

All these methods keep the natural balance of the plant and prevent potential diseases. However, these techniques have much higher labor costs: green techniques cost about three times as much as conventional management of a vineyard. However, the savings from not using pesticides balances out this additional cost.

Approximately 70% of Mezzacorona’s wineries are underground, which reduces the use of A/C to keep the rooms cool. Wastewater is collected and treated with biological purifier (based on active mud technology) before going back to the rivers.

The majority of electric power used by Mezzacorona comes from hydroelectric plants. In addition, great attention is paid to reducing packaging and to sorting garbage for recycling.

Thanks to the collaboration with its own farmers, Mezzacorona has adopted a comprehensive approach to preserving the regional environmental.


QUALITY CERTIFICATION

Our existing food safety and quality management systems have been certified according to the internationally recognized requirements of BRC (British Retail Consortium – Grade A) and IFS (International Food Standard – Higher Level).