A walk among the colors and scents of the rows, with the island of Tavolara in the background, then the round table in the welcoming Tenute Ólbios. The “Vermentino” wine and literary prize for published works, which is growing with the participation of the major Italian publishing houses, this year allowed itself a moment of reflection before the usual final ceremony.
To discuss culture, writing and territory, to lay the foundations for the innovations that will characterise the next edition but above all to celebrate the consecration of the sections “Territory” and “Sardinian Authors”, which started last year.
"What we have understood in these years of the Award is that belonging to our places and our life cannot be replaced - said Pietro Esposito, general secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of Sassari, the body that promotes the competition - We want to enhance it with our productions and with literature by giving a clear message: that our roots are strong".
Hence the “special mentions”, out of competition, Sara Chessa and Giovanni Fancello, with “Grazia Deledda and food – From Homer to the present day” (Arkadia Editore) and Giampaolo Cassitta with “Once upon a time in Asinara” (Fratelli Frilli Editore), works that stood out «for their value in enhancing history, food and wine traditions, sea and culture and for the tribute to the great Nobel Prize-winning writer who made us known throughout the world». Convivial atmosphere in the cellar of Daniela Pinna, president of the Consortium for the protection of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, during the discussion between journalists, bloggers, the writers Luca Ammirati, winner of the last edition, the 2024 finalists, Roberta Schira and Alessia Castellini, the culture councilor Sabrina Serra, also a juror of the Award.
The great passion behind the cultivation of wine combined with the creative fire of writing: the observers, guided in the knowledge of the behind the scenes of excellence, have underlined the extreme beauty of the Olbia and Gallura territory and underlined the respect and care towards the land that gives its fruits. The Award will increasingly become a vehicle of knowledge of the wine world among students, many already involved during the year in reading works, book trailers, theatrical performances. An experience that Katia Cecchinelli, mayor of Castelnuovo Magra, a partner municipality of the award, has stated she wants to replicate in the schools of her town.
«Each new edition begins with a call for entries and trying to understand how the literary world moves - Esposito finally explains - what we have guaranteed in these years, and that will remain so, is that of not imposing rules by giving pre-established directions but of welcoming the works in full respect of the creative work of the writer».