Good wine matures in wood barrels, typically made of oak. French and American oak are preferred for the high quality of the volatile compounds within the wood, compounds which contribute to the maturation, aroma and flavour of the wine we so love to drink.
However, since the volatile compounds in these oak barrels diminish in time, barrels are decommissioned after a few years of use, typically after five or six years, possibly sooner. So what happens to these discarded barrels? One way of re-using them can be seen at Is-Suq Tal-Belt, Valletta Food Market in Valletta, where 10 artists are participating in an exhibition cum competition called 'Bettija'rt'. Georges Meekers, Head of Sales at Delicata Winery speaks of this project which he originated in a bid to breathe new life into old barrels.
"Delicata's Bettija'rt initiative is the very first barrel art competition and exhibition in Malta. It kicked off with a call for artists and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We were inundated with applications within a few days. Probably the idea, being so novel and unusual, contributed to inspire all kinds of artists to take part and challenge themselves in the use of a very different 'canvas'."
A barrel was provided to each of the 10 finalists, with each participant having to reside in Malta and be willing to transform the decommissioned barrel according to the theme selected by Delicata Winery - 'The joys of wine, art and good living in Malta today and through the ages'. The selection of proposals was far from easy, but the selected finalists make for a great choice since they include seasoned artists alongside new and upcoming ones, with very individual styles, techniques and medium. Each artist titled his or her barrel to match the chosen theme: 'Secret Garden' by Claire Attard Vella; 'Meditrina celebrates the Maltese Vintage' by Joseph Barbara; 'Divine' by Carmel Bonello; 'An Improbable Toast' by Donald Camilleri; 'Romantic Journey of Art and Wine 1907-2019' by Francis Galea, 'The Reminiscence of Times Gone by in Strait Street' by Priscilla Gatt; 'Elemental Formation' by Sara Pace; 'The Vessel of Joy' by Zack Ritchie; 'The Vino-Go-Round' by Caroline Said Lawrence; 'The Creation (And he made Wine for All to enjoy' by David Xuereb.
Mr Meekers says, "The idea was born out of a desire to breathe new life into the winery's old barrels, instead of seeing them retire in a dark corner. I don't recall my exact Eureka moment, but the story that Italian Naïve-Art painter Antonio Ligabue painted barrel tops in bistros for his sustenance may have played a part. In truth, the Delicata Winery has consistently had an affinity with the arts. In fact, one of the winery's most established labels has always carried a drawing by the late Emvin Cremona, one of Malta's best artists of the 20th century. An initiative that helps bring the work of our artists to the fore seemed a logical way of repurposing the disused barriques.We are very happy we could organise this event in collaboration with Is-Suq Tal-Belt, Valletta Food Market."
There is as yet no definite decision as to where the beautifully excuted works of art will be placed once the exhibition is over. "Now they are no longer barrels but true pieces of art, or 'bettija'rts' as I like to call them. They are interesting works and the Delicata winery recognises that each one deserves to be showcased often and appropriately. There may also be future editions of this event, we will see...."
The barrel art will be judged by a final jury composed of Anna Grima, Kevin Casha, Mariella Pisani Bancini and Georges Meekers. However, the general public is also invited to vote for their favourite barrel by logging in to the Delicate Winery website. There shall be one winner of the 2019 Bettija'rt Grand Prize and a runner-up, with cash prizes and gifts. Most certainly, it would be best to visit the exhibition in person, and walk around each barrel in order to fully appreciate the melody of colours and designs created by these artists.
The Bettija'rt wine.art.living barrel art exhibition organised by the Delicata winery is open to the public until 24 April at Is-Suq Tal-Belt, Valletta Food Market in Valletta, each day from 8 am till late.Voting can be done on www.delicata.com/vote/. More information at www.delicata.com