In the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, where wine culture is deeply rooted in history and tradition, a fascinating and practical element populates the rows of vines: roses. These delicate flowers are not just an ornament, but play a crucial role in monitoring and protecting the precious vine.
History and Tradition:
The use of roses in the vineyards of the Oltrepò Pavese dates back centuries, when agricultural practices were governed by the wisdom handed down by generations of winegrowers. It is said that roses were first introduced not only for their beauty and fragrance, but also for their practical utility.
An Ancient Agricultural Practice:
According to conventional wisdom, roses act as silent sentinels, warning winegrowers of impending threats to the vines. This concept, expressed in the local saying ‘La pülgheta la va prima in si rosal‘ (the flea goes first in the rose), indicates that roses, being more susceptible to diseases and pests, show the first signs of stress or infection.
An Indicator of Health:
Roses in the vineyards of the Oltrepò Pavese are not just a decorative element; they are a valuable indicator of the health of the vines. Common vine diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew, or attacks by parasites such as the red spider mite, can occur earlier on roses. This is because roses, having ‘less defence‘, are more vulnerable and show visible symptoms earlier than the vines themselves.
Practical and Aesthetic Function
Roses thus serve a practical function, alerting grape growers to potential plant health problems and enabling them to take timely action to protect their vines. But it is not only their usefulness that makes roses so valuable in the vineyards of Oltrepò Pavese; they also contribute to the beauty and harmony of the surrounding environment.
Evolution and Modernisation:
With the development of agricultural techniques and the availability of more effective phytosanitary treatments, the practical importance of roses in vineyards may have diminished. However, many winegrowers continue to maintain this ancient practice out of respect for tradition and as an additional tool for monitoring the health of the vineyard.
Roses in the vineyards of the Oltrepò Pavese are more than just ornamental flowers; they are guardians of the health of the vines and custodians of a centuries-old tradition. Their presence not only enriches the landscape, but also bears witness to the ancient wisdom of the local winegrowers. In a world where modernity often clashes with tradition, roses in the vineyards represent a tangible link with the past, a tribute to the resilience and wisdom of the Oltrepò Pavese wine growers.
