We owe these historical facts to Giampiero Rorato a writer and a famous journalist in the brunch of food and wine sector, competent scientist and a real expert in gastronomic traditions of Veneto region.
"The grape called Verduzzo – writes Ronato in the book 'Verduzzo. Restoring the Motta’s biotype' (S. Cancellier, E. Michelet, G. Rorato) published by COAL – spread in North East Italy was given rather humble attention of scientists, in spite of the fact that it had been cultivated in the country for many centuries. (…) Is amazing the fact that the name Verduzzo was given to the utterly unlike types of grapes which are cultivated in Friuli region such as Verduzzo giallo and Verduzzo verde. In Treviso province Verduzzo trevigiano enjoys great popularity, in Venice province – Verduzzo giallo. (…)
So, the name Verduzzo Trevigiano began to be used in the 60’s of the last century, and partly substituted the name Verduzzo from Motta or Verduzzo Motta – which was used for the grapes cultivated on the Piave’s left bank area. Speaking about Verduzzo trevigiano’s origin professor Italo Cosmo writes the following: 'Based on the facts which we managed to collect, we gained the impression that Verduzzo trevigiano had been spread on the Treviso plain after being brought from Sardinia to the area of Motta di Livenza'.
But we do not have any written documents on the fact. Just oral sources – transmitted from father to son memories of the tenants who worked on the land of counts Ancilotto.
"This news about the origin of Verduzzo trevigiano, Cosmo has taken from the book 'Motta di Livenza and its surroundings' (L. Rocco), printed in Treviso in 1897, but written several years before - Rorato points out -. In fact, Rocco affirms that one family of landowners in Villanova, the Ancilloto, in the second half of 19’th century planted on their land in Villanova of Motta di Livenza the grape probably of Sardinian origin but named by the owners as Verduzzo Motta".
In conclusion we would like to mention that extraordinary contribution of COAL in restoring this grape type, valuing it and opening new future for this grape.
To the study, among other initiatives, there is also a logo that identifies Verduzzo Motta.