L'Acetaia di Josko Sirk

I never knew my grandfather Emilio, but he gave me were great things…

Friulian man of passion, great entrepreneurial spirit rooted in the traditions, but with an eye toward innovation. A disease carried him off early. I have left him in addition to the estimated earned with tales of his adventures, my middle name, Emilia. He was born in Cormons in the province of Gorizia.  When recently I was presented the opportunity for a short break them I said to myself: "But what better opportunity for a return to basics…"I think it is good to everyone occasionally pausing to think, to reflect. You may be citizens of the world, but I am convinced that its ties with the country of origin is indissoluble.  Anyone who thinks he can do without is a dreamer.

The torniamo of CormonsPensai tra ... me and me, "Far 400 km, and I like to travel ... "And, in fact, men who do not say I had arrived at their destination. Upon my arrival I was welcomed by the pleasant surroundings of the hills of Collio ingentilendo the landscape gave an air of romance to the whole context of the past.  I walked to the place where I was staying, "La Subida",  and I was not at all rejected.

The place was surrounded by a lush green, between plants of rosemary and lavender bouquets tied artfully arranged and everywhere. I began my usual exploration, pausing my gaze to a large enclosure in which a group of trotting horses.  I love these animals from the look noble and proud, and I wanted to give them a bit 'of my time. Lost in my thoughts I called myself to my duties as host, and returned to the base.

I immediately had the pleasure of meeting the hosts, Trace, looking man frank and firm and sweet wife Loredana. But they were less children. In particular, Tanja reminded me of a damsel in Provence, With wide-eyed and soft clothes, always smiling and willing to talk. Then I met Michael, great collaborator whose warmth and kindness distinguished him from the start. And as usually happens, chatter and laughter in a serious conversation and the other did not fail. But suddenly it was mentioned a vinegar ... and my curiosity is sparked.

Acetaia say, "Oh God has also given vinegar",  Well it is a very interesting and not respected. And I, in spite of my Roman friends that challenge me, I love to put drops on oysters. Seeing is believing! Do you think that Italy is the first producer in the world with vinegar, and this suggests it should be further enhanced. Raise awareness of the many uses and destinations can be attributed to him would give due credit.

Did you know that you great sprayed on vegetable soups, the omelettes, the fat fish, about strawberries ... but not only, just a little 'dilution is an excellent remedy to gargle for sore throat. And not only, think a cube soaked in vinegar chewed slowly stops the hiccups and reduces seasickness. Efficace per calmare una scottatura superficiale o per neutralizzare una puntura d’insetto… e molto di più. (Fonti di joske Sirk).

But back to my visit ... I had the pleasure of having as a guide Josko Sirk, oste come lui loved definirsi,  nonché l’artefice di questo sogno e progetto in continua evoluzione. We began our walk through my usual stream of questions ... as if to find some kind of hidden secret of life. I wonder if my curiosity will be satisfied ever. We walked to a trail that would lead us to our protagonist, the Acetaia. In during our walk, Josko behind my insistence, told me about his family arrived from Slovenia in difficult times. After having devoted himself to the cultivation of the earth and then the activity at the inn, the failed father made him responsible choices.

Over the years to come with his wife Loredana, riuscì a concretizzare il sogno della sua vita: create a heart of green residential oasis of peace and relaxation, "The climb". And knowing there does not seem to ask the meaning of the name ... Well, built upon a sixteenth-century church in the country, Church of Christ of Subida which in turn owes its origin to a miracle which occurred in 1597.

But his life was evolving, and another project was for years more and more emerging: “La Foresta dell'Acetaia"For the noble vinegar production of the best grapes of the Collio, niche product for those who can understand it, unfortunately ill-treated by the lack of information attributed. Completely made of wood, the Vinegar was in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. The star was white grapes from native grapes, from the adjacent vineyard. In my entry I showed a magical setting for those who love the environment. Stepped barrels and barrels arranged methodically, intended to facilitate the various processing stages. No presence of machines, everything followed a natural cycle. I did try the scent of his creatures, recommending not to swallow. I inebriai in intense and hard head from which I wanted to try the flavor slightly wetting the lips ... I must say pleasantly satisfied.

Josko mi these: "One of my gripe is how to make vinegar once , with the best grapes of the Collio ".   For someone like me who love the tradition to listen to these words was true poetry. With five producers united in friendship and passion he has finally finished off a project to raise awareness of the vinegar with its customs and its history: the Friends acids.

While it is true, with’ it is true, that a large wine is made’ by a large grape, this great grape I make my big vinegar. It takes me a few years, and in this time I have to take care of him and cuddle him like a baby in swaddling clothes.

  Josko Sirk