Island of Mazzorbo: the resurgence of the magical Dorona grape on the Venissa estate
Hidden in a corner of Venice where time appears to pass more slowly, where the coloured houses of Burano are reflected in the water is a story of new life amidst silent canals. Here on the island of Mazzorbo, the Dorona of Venice, an almost forgotten grape variety, has been brought back to life thanks to the Venissa project. The Dorona is a wine that used to be part of the identity of Venice: for centuries it was served at the Doges' banquets and the festivals of the Serenissima. The religious orders tended and preserved the viticulture in their properties around the lagoon together with the island farmers and the Venetian merchants reaped the economic benefits when the Republic of Venice was at its height.
However, over time the lagoon countryside was gradually abandoned and this, combined with all the problems of cultivation resulted in the loss of this variety. It had almost disappeared after the great flood of 1966 and in the nineties it was almost considered a legend: golden grapes that could no longer be found. Then, the Bisol family, a historic producer of Prosecco, decided to believe in this dream in the early 2000s. A few surviving plants discovered by chance on the island of Torcello and nearby Burano rekindled hope. This oenological and cultural project does not merely produce wine. It has also rediscovered the landscape, protects its biodiversity and enhances the tradition of the lagoon.
Ca’ Lucrezia looks forward to welcoming you to Venice
The Locanda Ca' Lucrezia is a stone's throw from Santa Lucia Station in the heart of the peaceful district of Cannaregio. It offers the perfect starting point to explore Venice and discover its hidden spots, such as Venissa.
Information: https://calucrezia.it/ca-lucrezia-en