BEYOND THE GRAPE
Revitalizing Grape Stalks
through a Design Lens
through a Design Lens
Let's embark on a captivating journey to the Langhe, the rolling heartland of Northern Italy, renowned for producing prestigious wines like Barbaresco and Barolo. Beyond the Grape unfolds in this picturesque territory where I was born and raised, immersed in the richness of the land and the values of the local community. The inspiration for this research blossomed during my grape harvest experience at the renowned Pertinace winery in 2017.
This byproduct, a lignified skeleton of the grape cluster, poses a significant challenge in wine-making. My research focused on studying its chemical characteristics and innovative solutions to address the issue of disposal. After overcoming the challenge of moisture through various drying techniques, I tackled the issue of volume reduction. Through processes of grinding and sieving, I obtained a fine powder, distinguishing various grape varieties. Surprisingly, each variety imparted unique flavors and colors to the powder. Continuing my research, I experimented with the use of natural additives such as cornstarch and glycerin to create a range of materials with different textures and consistencies.
To actively engage the local community, I organized a workshop at the Pertinace winery. Participants were invited to explore the obtained materials sensorially, contributing their perceptions to evaluate the success of the experiments and identify possible practical applications.
Results were visualized using artificial intelligence software, creating captivating images of potential applications for the materials. The future of this project requires collaboration with chemical and materials engineering experts to develop a solid scientific foundation. However, it is equally essential to involve a broader community to appreciate and preserve the unique connection with the Langhe territory. This research not only gives a new life to grape stalks but also contributes to the economic support and valorization of the local community and surrounding landscape.
Partners: Cantina Pertinace
