Brescia University Launches Italy’s First Viticultural Management Master’s Program
The Master’s degree in “Management of the Viticultural System – Tradition and Innovation in the Production of Quality Wines” is born from the collaborative efforts of the Università degli Studi di Brescia and Milan, the Centro Vitivinicolo Provinciale Bresciano, and the Ente Vini, promoted by the Assessore all’Agricoltura of the province of Brescia.
Presentation and Key Figures
This is a true innovation in the university field, as it is the first of its kind in Italy, and certainly a precursor to a potential Bachelor’s Degree specialized in viticulture and oenology.
For an important event, an equally significant presentation took place in the church of Santa Giulia. Attendees included President of the Province Alberto Cavalli, Rector of the Università degli Studi di Brescia Augusto Preti, Professor Maurizio Coccucci representing the Rector of the Università degli Studi di Milano Paolo Mantegazza, Provincial Assessor for Agriculture Paolo Mantelli, Alberto Pancera, President of the Ente Vini Bresciani, and Attilio Scienza, Director of the Master’s program.
The short period between the proposal to establish this course and its implementation was remarkable, because “when there is willpower, things can be achieved in very short times,” emphasized with satisfaction Rector Augusto Preti.
Reflections and Goals of the Master
All speakers expressed satisfaction, shared by the large audience of industry professionals present “in the church”.
“A master’s degree, which we inaugurate today,” – highlighted Alberto Cavalli –, “highly specialized, designed according to the new regulations, aimed at providing specific training in vitiviniculture, and could not but receive recognition and support from the Provincial Administration.”
The course, which lasts 10 months and runs from February to December 2001, includes a total of 600 hours of classroom teaching and exercises, as well as 200 hours of internships and 4 in-depth seminars.
As Assessore Mantelli explained, the Master — “which has the primary goal” — “to provide technicians with an in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge, in order to evaluate and manage the resources of the viticultural territory, Brescia and Lombardy, thus addressing a very felt need in the vitivinicultural sector, not only in production but also in communication and marketing” —, 20 students with bachelor’s degrees in Sciences and Technologies of Agriculture, Food Sciences and Technologies, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences; as well as graduates in Viticulture and Enology, will participate.
Five positions are reserved for candidates who, although lacking the mentioned degrees, have gained professional experience in the sector.
The credits, totaling 60 points, will be valid for the eventual bachelor’s degree, which requires a total of 120 points.
Structure and Organization of the Course
“The training course will be structured,” as explained by Director Attilio Scienza, “around four modules: the multidisciplinary definition of the viticultural environment; the enological interpretation and enhancement of the grape; control and management of the quality of territory wines; economy and management of viticultural businesses.”
The Centro Vitivinicolo and the Assessore all’Agricoltura will handle the organization, secretarial duties, and technical support, along with a contribution of 150 million lire.
The Master’s will be hosted at the Istituto Pastori, which offers access to both the micro-vinification cellar and five hectares of experimental vineyards.