The renowned Italian oenologist Riccardo Cotarella takes a central role in the planned restart of viticulture in Albania. The initiative originates from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The goal is to enhance the quality of wines and make Albania more visible as a wine country internationally.

Cotarella is the president of the Italian Oenologists Association Assoenologi and advises numerous renowned wineries in Italy. For Albania, he is expected to accompany a long-term development program. The focus is on modernizing viticulture and increasing the use of indigenous grape varieties.

"The idea is to build an authentic Albanian wine identity," Cotarella explained to the Italian news agency Ansa. The plan initially includes mapping the most suitable cultivation areas. Soil studies, climate analyses, and investigations of the DNA of grape varieties are planned to assess the suitability of different varieties for their respective regions. "The establishment of a new experimental winery within the University of Tirana will also be of central importance. A laboratory for soil and wine analyses is to be set up there, which will become a scientific and training center for the industry," Cotarella further stated.

Particular interest is given to traditional Albanian grape varieties such as Kallmet, Shesh i Zi, Shesh i Bardhë, Vlosh, and Puls. According to Cotarella, Albania has good conditions for independent wines with a clear regional profile.

Albania currently has around 10,000 hectares of vineyard area. Many vineyards are still managed traditionally. At the same time, interest from international investors and producers in the region is growing. Cotarella expects that the first results of the program could become visible in two to three years. For newly established vineyards, he estimates a period of five to six years until regular production.

(ru – Image: Albinfo - wikipedia)