Conegliano (Italian:[koneʎˈʎaːno];Venetian:Conejan) is a town andcomune of theVeneto region, Italy, in theprovince of Treviso, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) north by rail from the town ofTreviso.[3] The population of the city is of 35,023 people. The remains of a 10th-century castle are situated on a hill that dominates the town. Formerly belonging to theBishop of Vittorio Veneto, what remains is a bell tower, which now houses a small museum, and outer walls.
In the 10th century, the Castle of Conegliano was established under the control of theBishop of Belluno. The origin of the name 'Conegliano' likely derives itself fromLatincuniculus meaning 'underground tunnel'.[5] Control of the area was passed over first to theMarch of Treviso in 1153, and then theRepublic of Venice in 1337. In the 1300s, a village was established by a group of noble families around the castle. During theMiddle Ages, the castle served as the centre of power in Conegliano, being both the seat of the town'spodestà and religious functions. Under Trevigiani and Venetian control, Conegliano's fortifications were strengthened. However, Conegliano entered a state of decline following the end of theWar of the League of Cambrai.[6]
Between the end of the 1300s and 1800s, Conegliano was home to aJewish community. In 1629, the Jewish community was forcibly relocated to the bottom of the castle's hill, before being again moved in 1675 to outside the town's walls.[6]
Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Conegliano came under Austrian control as part of theKingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. Under Austrian control, Conegliano underwent civil growth and development.[7]
InWorld War I, following the Italian defeat atBattle of Caporetto, Italian troops began retreating to thePiave river with Conegliano becoming an important transit point. The German-Austrian advance meant the town was occupied on 1 November 1917. It remained under the occupation of the Central Powers up to 24 October 1918 after the Italian victory at theBattle of Vittorio Veneto.[8]
Conegliano is noted for itswine,[3] chiefly the dry whiteProsecco (made from theglera grape) which comes in three varieties: tranquillo (still), frizzante (slightly sparkling) and spumante (sparkling). It is also home to Italy's oldest and most prestigious wine school called Scuola Enologica.
It is also home to the Istituto Sperimentale per la Viticoltura where several Italian grape varieties have been bred, includingAlbarossa,Vega andValentino nero. Additionally, viticulturalists at the institute have helped save many nativeItalian grape varieties from extinction, such as theValpolicella grapeBigolona.[9]
There is also a great industrial tradition, especially specialized in home appliances.
The red DOC wines are madeMerlot (10-40%),Cabernet Sauvignon,Cabernet Franc andMarzemino (at least 10% of each with no maximum for the last three varieties) and up 10% ofIncrocio Manzoni 2.15. The wine is required to beaged at least two years inbarrel prior to being released. A sweet redpassito labeled asRefrontolo is made from at least 95% Marzemino with up 5% of other local non-aromatic varieties permitted to round out the blend.[10]
Every June, a specialchess or 'dama' game where the pieces are represented by actual real people—known as theDama Castellana—is performed in the historical center. This event is not the continuation of a secular tradition, but was introduced only a few years ago, yet still managed to become a traditional event in the Coneglianese calendar.
Conegliano was the birthplace of the paintersCima da Conegliano, a finealtar-piece by whom is in the cathedral (dating to 1492),[3] andFrancesco Beccaruzzi, as well as the composer and conductor at the Cincinnati Conservatory, Pier Adolfo Tirindelli.
^Robinson, Jancis; Harding, J.; Vouillamoz, J. (2012).Wine grapes: a complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours. London: Allen Lane. pp. 24,107–108, 1110, 1115.ISBN978-1-846-14446-2.
^abcP. SaundersWine Label Language, p. 143. Firefly Books 2004ISBN1-55297-720-X.
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