by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: Stefano Zannier, Councilor for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries; Alfredo Giacon, Owner of the Jancris Sailboat, Journalist, Author and Amateur Sailor
“Sulle Rotte della Malvasia. Senza Confini” (On the Routes of Malvasia: Without Borders) is an initiative led by journalist and writer Maurizio Crema, director Enrico Stocco, cultural planner Pietrangelo Pettenò, and skippers Alfredo and Nicoletta Giacon, owners of the Jancris. The crew was welcomed at Trieste’s Molo Veneziano on 12 June by Stefano Zannier, Regional Councilor for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
The Jancris, built in 1983 with support from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region to strengthen ties with Friulian communities abroad, was later purchased and restored by Alfredo Giacon. It is currently undertaking a voyage to rediscover the destinations to which the Republic of Venice exported Malvasia wine, considered one of the most prized wines of the 14th and 15th centuries.
The Jancris set sail a week ago from Chioggia and will make thirteen stops, focusing in particular on the former Venetian territories of Istria, now divided between Slovenia and Croatia, before concluding its journey in the historic city of Dubrovnik, formerly known as Ragusa.
The initiative is self-funded, with support from Veneto Region, Bottega Spa, and Banca della Marca.
Regional Councillor Stefano Zannier said: “Tracing the journey of this grape variety across the Adriatic is perhaps the best way to connect the many places linked by its history, creating a map not only of the wine’s route but also of the opportunities that arise from it.”
Alfredo Giacon added that the voyage is also an opportunity “to talk about slow wine, slow movement, slow living and, above all, slow tourism,” highlighting the growing challenge of overtourism, particularly in Venice.
