A new path for enology in Romania – Zosimo Editorial 19 September 2024

Romania has been the cradle of wine for millennia, with its magnificent landscapes, indigenous grape varieties, and a history that dates back to the Roman Empire.

A bilateral agreement between the USAMV University of Cluj Napoca and the University of Palermo now enriches this natural marvel.

This initiative was strongly supported by wine critic Carmelo Sgandurra, who has been an advocate for Romania’s native grapes for decades. His “Feteasca Wine” guides, written in recent years, have highlighted the finest selections of Romanian wines, accompanied by numerous press articles, masterclasses, and global promotions. Additionally, his new book, “La Romania del Vino” is currently in editing and set to be released in 2025.

Thanks to the interest and involvement of Gianni Calderone, President of Com.It.Es Romania (the committee for Italians abroad), and supported by the Honorary Consul of the Italian Republic in Cluj Napoca, H.E. Massimo Novali, this bilateral agreement not only connects the two universities but also engages the entire Italian community in Romania, aiming to benefit students from both Italy and Romania.

A historic agreement, as described by the esteemed Rector of the University of Palermo, Professor Massimo Midiri, and the distinguished Rector of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj Napoca, Professor Cornel Catoi, during their visit to the University of Palermo. Starting from the next academic year, this agreement will enable students to earn a dual-qualification master’s degree in enology, recognized in both Romania and Italy.

Furthermore, the warm welcome extended to the Romanian delegation by Professor Baldo Portolano, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Sciences (SAAF); Professor Pietro Catania, Coordinator of the Master’s Degree Program in Precision Agriculture; Professor Mariangela Vallone; Professor Santo Orlando; and Dr. Michele Massimo Mammano from CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics) laid the foundation for future scientific and institutional collaborations between UniPa and USAMV.

The coordination of relations between the universities was particularly driven by the dedication of Professor Carlo Greco, a researcher from the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Sciences (SAAF), who has believed in this collaboration from the very beginning.

Additionally, the delegation received support of Giovanni Conti consultant specialist from DOC Denomination Origin Controled, Prof. Bogdan Bucur, department of Sociology faculty of political science Bucarest Romania and from the entire administration of the municipality of Marineo, led by Mayor Hon. Franco Ribaudo, allowing them to fully experience the natural, historical, cultural, and gastronomic wonders that only Palermo and its province can offer.

Calling it a new path might seem limiting, but we are confident that a milestone has been set. This will provide wine lovers and enology enthusiasts — those who appreciate this artful craft that brings joy with every sip and unites people, women and men, lands and history — with valuable opportunities for cultural and professional growth.