Sipping Sustainability and Savory Pairings at Wine in Venice 2024
The spotlight on Day 3 of the Wine in Venice — The Wine Red Carpet event at Misericordia di Venezia shone brightly on the “Galateo del Gusto” (Taste Etiquette), where Fiorotto Winery’s wines took center stage with well-curated pairing with Radicchio Rosso di Treviso IGP.
Sustainability was the main theme of the day, reflecting Fiorotto Winery’s inherent commitment to eco-friendly practices—a culture that is at the very core of every Fiorotto bottle. In his opening speech, Daniele Fiorotto, a member of the family’s fourth generation, shared, “Our wine growing and production have evolved to adopt systems with low to zero impact on the environment.”
The Fiorotto estate’s journey began when Vittorio Fiorotto, Daniele’s great-grandfather, arrived in Nervesa Della Battaglia, Treviso, in the 1930s. From humble beginnings, the family now manages 120 hectares, including 20 dedicated to cultivating Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Merlot, Glera, and more. Taking the helm in 2017, Daniele and his siblings are now at the forefront of the family business, fostering sustainability across the estate. “We believe in the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity,” Daniele added.
Here are the five Fiorotto wines presented at the event and their corresponding food parings with or infused with Radicchio Rosso di Treviso IGP.
Florimonte Prosecco Brut DOC offers a pale lemon hue with lively bubbles and crystal-clear pearls. Its freshness and medium acidity make it a clean and delightful choice, perfectly complementing the Radicchio Rosso di Treviso IGP.
Florimonte Millesimato Cuvee Brut, a Millesimato vino spumante, impresses with its luminous pale lemon color and tiny clear bubbles. A blend of 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Bianco, and 70% Glera results in an aromatic and very good palate experience, ideal for pairing with Salume Sopressa DOP with radicchio and vermouth sauce.
Fiorosa Spumante Brut Rosato da Uve Pinot Nero, a 100% Pinot Nero aged in Charmat method for 11 months, showcases a light pink hue and pronounced notes of wild red fruits. Its high acidity and small, creamy perlage lead to a long finish, harmonizing well with Gamberetti with radicchio and acciughe sauce.
Florimonte Prosecco Extra Dry DOC exhibits clean and consistent perlage, along with medium acidity and a moderate, clean finish. Paired with Focaccia withradicchio jam, it creates a pleasing balance of flavors.
Fervere Merlot in Purezza, a pure Merlot with a deep ruby red color, offers an explosion of fruits—strawberries and wild berries. With medium tannins and a fresh, spicy, and fruity character, it is aged for 9 months in barrique and 9 months in tonneaux. Ideal pairing with Formaggio vacchino with a sauce made of radicchio, cucumber, and pear.
The Masterclass was well thought out and it was one of the most unforgettable segments at Wine in Venice 2024. From humble roots to a thriving legacy, the Fiorotto family’s dedication to the environment and exquisite winemaking is a toast to the past, present, and future. The elegant and distinct flavors of each Fiorotto wine perfectly paired with Radicchio Rosso di Treviso IGP were a culinary celebration of this ever-important era of sustainable food and wine production.
Fiorotto Wines Via Priula 87 31040 Nervesa della Battaglia, Treviso, Italia Contact: +39 3409536809; info@fiorottowine.it
We were invited to visit Tenuta Villa Bellini and to taste their portfolio of Valpolicella wines. We were guided by Alberto, the Marketing and Commercial Manager of the wines and vineyards of the 18th-century walled estate. They call this wall a brolo, a term coined from the Roman era, which means a block of concrete that protects and encloses a garden; and this time, it’s the vines that it protects here in San Pietro in Cariano in Verona.
The six-hectare estate in the hills of Castelrotto cultivates 4 hectares of vines in a mix of pergola and albarello training systems. The age range of the vines is from 40 to 50 years old and select vines are over a hundred years old. Tenuta Villa Bellini has a stringent cultivation of Valpolicella’s superstar grapes such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara.
The rest of the two hectares have olive trees and a diverse mix of plants and trees that contribute to the biodiverse integrity of the territory. They also spread sovescio or cover crops in the vineyards and most especially in between vines to preserve and maintain the estate’s rich sustainable soil management system in place. The soil in the estate is composed of limestones and rock fragments mixed with calcareous soil dating back to the Eocene Epoch.
We also discovered an underground pit that resembles a small cavern to store the snow back in the day. They would collect snow from the Alps and then bring it to Casterotto to fill the pit to become ice and they would use this site to cool wines and other products during the summer.
Tenuta Villa Bellini organic wines are made and stored in the ancient cellar adjoining the estate’s main mansion. Certified organic since its inception in 1989, it continues to apply biodynamic and organic approaches to their way of farming. According to Alberto Allegretto, “All grapes are hand-harvested and only the pre-selected healthy bunches are used for our wines.” It is very labor-intensive but it aids in the production of quality wines. “Our winemaker, Filippo, is a genius in incorporating micro vinification methods to achieve the most authentic quality of our products.”, Allegretto added.
Teatrino Valpolicella Classico 2022 DOC is a light ruby wine with a pleasant nose featuring notes of cherries and blueberries. Its dry and light-bodied nature is complemented by a very fresh and fruity character, rendering a truly tasty experience. The wine exhibits medium acidity, enhancing its vibrancy. On the palate, lots of red fruits unfold, creating a harmonious and flavorful profile. With a moderate alcohol content of 12%, it maintains a refreshing quality. Teatrino, like in a theater, you’re meant to relax and enjoy the show, and this wine is the star.
Tirele Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021 DOC presents itself with a deep ruby hue, indicating its rich and intense nature. Aged for one year in steel tanks and an additional 4-5 months in the bottle, this dry wine boasts a complex profile. The nose reveals a blend of red fruits, spice, and balsamic notes. The soft tannins and aromatic qualities contribute to its overall elegance. This bottle exhibits a unique bouquet, and like the Tenuta Bellini Mansion, the Tirele can age gracefully.
Sottolago Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC, medium ruby hue, has pronounced aromas of red fruits and subtle hints of vanilla. This wine makes a bold entrance on the palate with an intensity that captures the essence of its well-structured profile: Full-bodied, high alcohol, medium acidity, medium tannins, and medium finish. Sottolago’s character is lively and vibrant, a true Valpolicella beauty.
Centenarie Amarone della Valpolicella 2016 DOCG, is deep ruby in color, dry, with notes of fresh fruits and enticingly rich notes of some spice and pepper. Crafted through a meticulous 100 days of appassimento method, the wine’s balsamic tones, velvety tannins, subtle sweetness, and long finish combined is quite the experience. This wine is fermented in large wooden vats and refined for 30 months in French oak. Centenarie is simply sophisticated.
After the intimate tasting, we were brought to the famous Enoteca della Valpolicella to experience the actual food pairing of the Tirele Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021 DOC, and it was perfect with the restaurant’s Tagliatelle con Ragu di Casa. We also had the Radicchio da Campo for antipasti and Montblanc for dessert. Thanks to Alberto for the experience and for introducing us to Chef Ada Riolfi and her daughter, Elisa. Esperienza di abbinamento perfetta. Complimenti!
In conclusion, to put it simply, Tenuta Villa Bellini cultivates great Valpolicella native grapes, and the final product is a great wine.
Tenuta Villa Bellini Organic Wines Via dei Fraccaroli 6 Castelrotto 37029 San Pietro in Cariano, Verona, Italy Contact: +39 0456850108; wine@tenutavillanbellini.com
Terroir Treasures: Exploring the Rich Legacy of Col Paré Winery in Arfanta
Just a quick 15-minute drive from Conegliano or Vittorio Veneto will bring you to Arfanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a breathtaking panorama of the Conegliano Hills, best known for its ideal terroir for the Glera grapes that give life to Prosecco.
Arfanta, with its population of approximately 200, is a quaint village perched on hilly lands within the Municipality of Tarzo, part of the province of Treviso. It is the birthplace of our host, Andrea De Marchi, and it’s where their family winery Col Paré operates.
The De Marchi family, with roots deeply embedded in the wine industry, transitioned from supplying cooperatives in the mid-80s to embarking on their winemaking journey in 1995. It marked the birth of Azienda Agricola Col Paré, a company founded by Domenico De Marchi, and then later on the baton was handed over to his son, Aldo De Marchi.
Andrea, the third generation of the De Marchi family in Arfanta, serves as the agronomist for the business. Holding a diploma from the Professional Institute of Agriculture at the Conegliano School of Enology, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to their winemaking process.
Their diverse portfolio features Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry DOCG, and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Vino Frizzante DOCG. Col Paré’s vibrant line also includes Verdiso, Chardonnay, and Principe, with the latter being a standout vino bianco frizzante crafted from 100% Glera grapes using the ancestral winemaking method.
During our tour of the vineyards, Andrea made us feel how much pride and love he has for their territory in Arfanta. “We closely attend to our terroir, adapting to the times and diversifying based on the land’s needs,” he emphasized. Col Paré’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by its certification from Biodiversity Friend, a global organization recognizing agricultural practices that prioritize environmental preservation.
Beyond grape cultivation, Col Paré excels in producing a variety of goods, including corn, honey, chestnuts, and olives. They also have their own animal farm which includes cows, chickens, and rabbits (Coniglio), among others. What amazed us the most was the Coniglio Bianco Gigante Veneto, a local breed of cotton-white rabbits weighing up to almost 5 kilograms.
In addition to their traditional offerings, Col Paré introduces a modern look on their Muscaris, Monello, and their inaugural bottle of Passito di Glera. We were able to sample these bottles during a delightful meal with the De Marchi family. We had large slabs of grilled beef from their own farm. Aldo De Marchi shared, “We grow our own food, and we seldom go to the supermarket.”
Aside from retail sales of their exquisite wines, the Cantina extends an invitation to explore the magic behind the scenes with vineyard tours and cellar visits. For those seeking a collective tasting experience, there’s a dedicated room available for group wine tastings, ensuring a tailored arrangement when booked in advance. Beyond the vine, they proudly offer small-batch productions of premium olive oil and honey.
Exploring Arfanta with Andrea was an enriching experience. His willingness to answer our questions and share insights about the wines and the territory added a personal touch to our knowledge and exploration. Azienda Agricola Col Paré seamlessly integrates traditional and innovative winemaking techniques, and what resonates most is the simplicity and authenticity evident from production up to the final product.
Azienda Agricola Col Paré Via Chiesa 26/b 31020 Arfanta, Tarzo, Treviso Contact: +39 0438587134; info@col-pare.it Facebook
Toast to 2024: A Year-end Celebration of Sparkling Wines and Gratitude
Get ready to raise your glasses and welcome 2024 with a burst of flavors and bubbles. As we gear up for the new year, let’s reminisce about the sparkling wines that have dazzled our taste buds throughout the past year. But hey, whether you’ve got a bottle waiting or not, here’s a heartfelt wish for you: May the upcoming year overflow with peace, joy, progress, and an abundance of blessings for everyone!
Grazie Mille to all of you who’ve supported our mission in spreading the excellence of Italian wines across the globe. May the blessings of peace and progress unfold in all of us in the coming year. Get set to sparkle and sip your way into a spectacular 2024!
As the clock strikes midnight and fireworks light up wherever you are in the world, may these sparkling wines we recommend remind you of cherished memories this past year and each bubble a token of joyous time spent with friends and family. Here’s to a future shimmered by unity, gratitude, and exquisite Italian bubblies. Cin cin to a sparkling 2024 where every sip resonates with love, hope, peace, and prosperity. Buon Anno!
Our Personal Wine Odyssey: Exploring Italy’s Treasured Wineries
Despite being based in New York, our passion for wine has taken us on an incredible journey across various Italian regions over the past year. These travels have allowed us to immerse ourselves in diverse wineries, meet passionate winemakers at wine festivals, and experience exclusive guided tours—quite a shift, indeed, from the wine scene in the bustling city.
We’ve had the privilege of meeting winemakers with fascinating backgrounds—some continuing a legacy that spans generations since the 1800s, while others are newer to the craft. From the fourth generation of established winemaking families to fresh faces in the industry, each brings a unique perspective to their craft. It’s intriguing to note the variations in their wine portfolios; some focus on a select few grape varieties, while others cultivate an impressive roster of up to 10 to 15 grape varieties.
Azienda Agricola Massucco was founded in the early 1900s by Silvestro Massucco, also known as Nonno Vet to the family. According to Loris Massucco, the current winemaker and part of the 4th generation of the family, “Nowadays, the 5th generation of the Massucco family is being groomed to run the winery. Time will come that they will take the lead, continue the tradition, and make decisions for the business.”
2. Azienda Agricola e Agrituristica SeveroliDozza, Bologna (Emilia-Romagna)
In Toscanella di Dozza in Bologna, a 75-hectare of historic land with a terroir composed of clay, limestone, and sandy soil, the Azienda Agricola e Agrituristica Severoli stands as a testament to centuries of homestyle cooking and winemaking heritage. Founded in the 17th century, the Severoli name, rooted in the region since 1851, has evolved through time, weaving a rich tapestry of history.
3. Cantina Vinicio Bronzo e FigliGaon, Caprino Veronese (Veneto)
Cantina Vinicio Bronzo vineyards are located on the slopes of Mount Baldo in Verona. With about 350 to 500 meters above sea level, they are blessed with a good climate to grow their local vines like their Corvina grape which they use for most of their products like the Bardolino Chiaretto DOC–a cherry-pink wine that is juicy, fruit-forward, and shows some citrusy notes interlaced with cherries, harmonizing minerality and saline on the finish.
In the serene town of Ziano Piacentino, Piacenza, within the picturesque Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, stands the historic abode of Gaiaschi Terenzio. A family deeply rooted in agribusiness and winemaking whose legacy stretches back to 1885. The founder, Pasquale Gaiaschi, had humble beginnings as a farmer, and with unwavering dedication and passion, he acquired his own land and started growing vines alongside a variety of other crops, and caring for domestic animals.
5. Ca’ Peruzzetto San Nicolo di Ponte di Piave, Treviso (Veneto)
We first met Michele Peruzzetto at VinItaly in Verona, and ever since, we’ve been captivated by their portfolio of artisanal wines. We were graciously invited by Ca’ Peruzzetto to join the harvest of their cherished Raboso del Piave grapes, a truly unforgettable experience. Tasting their wines in the intimate setting of their cellar and sharing a meal with the Peruzzetto family was a delightful privilege. We wish this visionary winemaker all the success, and we are fortunate to call him a friend.
6. Rive della Chiesa Volpago del Montello, Treviso (Veneto)
Rive della Chiesa, nestled in the charming province of Treviso within the Veneto region of Italy, has a rich history dating back to its founder, Nino Gasparetto. Born in the Selva del Montello, Nino ventured to Australia to support his family but returned to Italy, where he planted his first vine in the very soil of his birthplace, near the local church. This land held a special place in his heart, a place he cultivated throughout his life out of love for wine, his homeland, and, above all, his family.
7. Sacramundi Chiampo, Vicenza (Veneto)
Ventus Vino Spumante Durello Metodo Classico Brut is the pride of Vicenza and Verona. The historic Chiampo territory is a vast area of hilly lands with a long history of winemaking. Fun fact, Sacramundi is also the name of the street going to the vineyards. They are a small hardworking team with Lorenzo as the Enologist and Giorgia who’s in charge of client partnerships.
8. Ponte Rotto Vini Avellino, Irpinia (Campania)
Azienda Agricola Ponte Rotto is named after the bridge found in the Campania Region. The historic bridge dates back to the Roman times. Separated by the Calore River, the Ponte Rotto connects the Campania and the Puglia regions. Di Pietro siblings Antonio, Maria Luisa, and Gaetano decided to continue and take on the passion for viticulture which they got from their grandparents, Antonio and Antonietta. They are the third generation to embrace, toil, and take charge of the territory. This time, they turned their direction and just focused on wine.
Umberto and Enzo represented Klinger Winery which their Great-grandfather Luigi Pilati started more than 100 years ago in Maso Clinga; within the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige wine region, near the high hills of Pressano. The Pilati family, steeped in tradition and passion for winemaking, created their first commercial vintage in 2018 which they called “Klinger”.
10. Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco (Piedmont)
Founded in 1958 by Don Fiorino Marengo, a parish priest in the Barbaresco area, Produttori del Barbaresco is a cooperative that is composed of 53 families and growers. If you add up the vineyards of its members, there’s a total measure of 100 hectares. The Societa Agricola Cooperativa’s membership comprises meticulous Nebbiolo growers in the Langhe area.
11. Famiglia Anselma Barolo Barolo (Piedmont)
On the back label of each bottle of Famiglia Anselma Barolo, you will see the year of its release from the winery, so there is careful inspection and quality control involved. They produce 4,000 – 8,000 bottles on average, using a combination of grapes from three different communes: Monforte, Barolo, and Serralunga.
12. Azienda Agricola Stefano Losi Montebello della Battaglia, Pavia (Lombardia)
The winemaker Stefano Losi continued to build the family business a success which his father, Pietro Losi, founded in the 1950s. He dedicated his time, sweat, passion, and knowledge to retain his father’s tradition as well as the patriarch’s first customers. Today, the wine-making tradition of producing high-quality wines continues with the support of Matteo and Piercarlo, the 3rd generation of the Losi legacy. It is brilliant to have young blood and talent consolidated in the business so that tradition is maintained and new technologies are introduced.
13. Tenuta di Aglaea Solicchiata, Etna (Sicily)
They are a small producer with about 1,000 bottles a year. The main variety that they use in their wines is the Nerello Mascalese from the old vines of the vineyard. However, they use Carricante vines for their white wine Lucifer. The artwork on some of the brand’s labels was hand-drawn by the charming and talented Filippo, Anne’s seven-year-old son. Tenuta di Aglaea wines are available in Brazil, Norway, California, and many other cities outside of Italy.
Situated on the foot of Mount Ongaresca, Tenuta Ongaresca was known to be a stud farm when the families Sinico and Traverso bought the estate in 2010. As new owners, they decided to revive the abandoned 40-year-old vineyard, and Ongaresca Vini di Costabissara was born. They had its first harvest the following year and it has been a flourishing grape tillage and winery since.
15. Tenuta Regina di Sant’Angelo Palizzi, Reggio Calabria (Calabria)
Hailing from the high hills of Guni, Palizzi in Reggio Calabria, the Don Saso IGT Palizzi Rosso 2021 by Tenuta Regina di Sant’Angelo is a testament to the excellence of 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes. In the glass, this wine presents a deep ruby hue, hinting at its richness and intensity. In conclusion, this is an excellent wine that delights the senses with its vibrant flavors and proves to be a versatile companion to a range of hearty dishes. With its well-balanced tannins, complex profile, lingering finish, and a notable 14.5% alcohol content, it promises a rewarding experience now and holds potential for further development with aging.
What’s common with these producers is their dedication to their brand’s individuality—each embodies a unique winemaking style and diverse branding strategies. The privilege of meeting these passionate winemakers has been a treasure, leading not only to professional connections but also to fostering new friendships. Their warmth and enthusiasm to share their knowledge and craft have been a comforting antidote to moments of homesickness. Their genuine kindness during our tastings has not only welcomed us into their world but also warmed our hearts and palates, too.
In Conversation with Cristian Maitan, the esteemed Head Sommelier at Ristorante Nuovo Ranch
In the interview below, Cristian Maitan talks about his journey as a Sommelier and shares some valuable tips for wine enthusiasts and what exciting trends we should look out for in Italian wines. Proclaimed Best Sommelier in Veneto 2018 and Best Sommelier Conegliano – Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore2018 by AIS or the Italian Sommelier Association, five years later, in November of this year, he was crowned Best Sommelier of Italy 2023 in Genova, Italy.
We first met Cristian, through a friend Michele Peruzzetto, visionary winemaker of Ca’ Peruzzetto in Ponte de Piave. During that encounter at their family restaurant, Nuovo Ranch, a very humble Cristian entertained us with such candor, class, and warmth. He also shared interesting stories about his family roots dating back to the pre-war era. We ended our conversations with a tasting of their Carruba, a carubbe and grappa liqueur, that his father crafted meticulously by hand, a testament to their artisanal heritage.
Did you grow up in the F&B environment? When did your family start with Nuovo Ranch? Yes, I grew up in the family restaurant Nuovo Ranch in Ponte di Piave, Treviso. The restaurant was founded in 1945.
How did your journey as a Sommelier start? Who inspired you? My training path in AIS began in 2017. Two figures inspired me, one is my high school teacher, Simone Bonato, and the other is my mentor, Graziano Simonella, a long-time Head of National Services Group at AIS and a revered personality in the hospitality industry.
After winning the Best Sommelier of Veneto and Best Sommelier Conegliano – Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore in 2018, how did that affect your life and career? My life has definitely changed. New events, tastings, and a renewed motivation.
Only over a year after your wins, the pandemic happened, how did it affect you in general? The pandemic for me has been a time for reflection and personal development.
You’re simply great at blind tasting, can you share some simple tricks that you use? Just passion, dedication, and curiosity, these are the secrets.
Best Sommelier in Italy. That is such a historic milestone in your life. How was it different from 2018? What was the most difficult round for you? This has brought greater awareness, maturity, and experience. The biggest difficulty was with myself.
Would you tell us why? The difficulty was with myself. Many times I was about to give up, but I always got back up. The course of study requires many sacrifices and effort.
What is next for you? Does Best Sommelier of Europe enter your mind? My goal today is to enjoy the prize. Then I’ll see.
Do you have a go-to bottle of wine? It really depends on the mood.
In terms of Italian wine trends, what region or grape varieties should we look out for in 2024? In Italy we have a unique heritage of autochthonous grapes, in my opinion, these will give us the greatest satisfaction. (Italian autochthonous grape examples: Arneis, Nosiola, Fiano, Ribolla Gialla, Sagrantino, Pigato, Refosco, Durella, et cetera.)
Best Sommelier also means best role model for the next set of aspiring Sommeliers. What advice would you give? Three pieces of advice: Never give up, always believe, and stay curious!
In bocca al lupo, Cristian! Thank you for granting us this interview amidst your busy schedule. Let us raise our glasses and toast not just your win but also your warmth, passion, and humility. May you inspire more people to embark on their own journey as a sommelier or enthusiast in this beautiful world of wine.
At the recently held Mercato dei Vini 2023 in Bologna, we met brothers Umberto and Enzo Pilati of Klinger Winery. Organized by FIVI, a federation of independent winemakers, the 12th edition of Mercato dei Vini held in Bologna Fiere from November 25-27, gathered 985 independent winemakers and 26,000 wine operators and enthusiasts in three days.
Umberto and Enzo represented Klinger Winery which their Great-grandfather Luigi Pilati started more than 100 years ago in Maso Clinga; within the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige wine region, near the high hills of Pressano. The Pilati family, steeped in tradition and passion for winemaking, created their first commercial vintage in 2018 which they called “Klinger”.
Umberto serves as the Enologist while Enzo is the Agronomist of the winery. Their sister Lorena and their father Felice Pilati are also actively involved in the family enterprise. Klinger Pilati Winery cultivates various grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Schiava, and Nosiola, the quintessential indigenous white grape variety of Trentino. “We cultivate 4 hectares of the Nosiola grape, accounting for about 7% of the total cultivation of this variety in the region.”, Pilati remarked.
Umberto’s enthusiasm for the wines that they showcased at the event was palpable as he guided us through the wine tasting, sharing valuable winemaking techniques and he shared some family anecdotes about the winery. As we started our wine flight, we could vividly visualize the picturesque backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains, each sip unfurling tales of meticulous craftsmanship and reverence for the territory.
Our journey began with effervescent anticipation—an exquisite sparkling wine, Masnen Vignal. A blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Grigio, aged for 40 months on lees, revealed the essence of 50-year-old vines. The result: a pale lemon elixir, the Trento Extra Brut Riserva Millesimato, resonating with the terroir near the Dolomites—a testament to Klinger’s dedication to production excellence.
The Pizpor, an ode to heritage and aspiration, is embodied in the Dolomite di Bianco 2019—a blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Blanc. These are at least 50-year-old vines grown in vineyards situated 400 meters above sea level. This Cuvee is pale lemon in the glass with floral notes of jasmine and fruity notes of tropical fruits. Fresh, with pronounced flavor intensity with a long finish. Umberto shared an anecdote recalling his Grandfather’s words, “I would like to drink a Borgogna (Burgundy).”, referring to a bottle of their own which they now called Pizpor—a blend inspired by grapes originating from Burgundy, France.
Transitioning gracefully to the indigenous Nosiola, a white grape variety flourishing in Trentino’s embrace and one of the most important bottles of the Klinger winery, with four hectares of vines spanning from 70 to 100 years. It’s pale yellow in the glass, medium intensity on the nose offering hints of lychee, grapefruit, and honey. Dry with a phenolic grip on the palate, it mirrors the fruity notes giving it fantastic balance and a long finish. This bottle has a great potential to age for another 5 years or so. Umberto shared that, at the Pilati family home, they often pair it with Trota or San Marino fish cooked in brine.
The Gewürztraminer, another jewel in their portfolio, boasts pronounced intensity on both nose and palate. An exquisite wine with low to medium acidity, a medium-full body, and a long finish. “This variety holds a significant importance for us and our Grandfather’s legacy, as our Gewürztraminer vineyards sit right in front of our house.” Pilati shared. It encapsulates the essence of family legacy, with vineyards rooted in their ancestral home—a great homage to their forebears indeed.
Our wine flight culminated with Vernatsch, crafted from the Schiava grape variety, showcasing vines weathered by time, ranging from 40 to 70 years. Fermented in tonneaux, vertically lined up to ensure a meticulous punching down method every two weeks before being transferred to oak barrels for another two years. Another testament to the labor of love that the Klinger winery instills in their winemaking tradition.
In the course of swirling glasses, tasting notes, and spirited conversations, Klinger Winery not only tantalized our palates but also unraveled a great story woven with familial heritage, love for terroir, and an unwavering commitment to crafting wines that embody the spirit of Trentino-Alto Adige.
eugephemisms.wordpress.com 