Contrada Salvarenza Soave 2021

Located in the heart of the classic Soave appellation, the Contrada Salvarenza vineyard lies on the basalt hills of Monteforte d'Alpone, in the province of Verona, Veneto. It is a historic plot of old Garganega vines, planted in volcanic soils rich in basalt and tuff, offering a strong mineral component. The well-exposed slopes benefit from a breezy climate and significant temperature variations, allowing for slow and complete ripening of the grapes, while preserving the freshness, tension, and aromatic complexity characteristic of this unique terroir.

The old Garganega vines are harvested by hand with rigorous sorting of the bunches, then the grapes are gently pressed. The must ferments slowly at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks, without the addition of selected yeasts, in order to preserve the character of the terroir. Aging continues on fine lees in stainless steel tanks, with periodic stirring, before a late bottling that allows the wine to gain complexity and texture while retaining its mineral freshness.

This wine reveals notes of white-fleshed fruit , ripe citrus , and stone fruit , complemented by delicate floral touches, hints of sweet spice , and a distinctly mineral character reminiscent of wet stone and flint. On the palate, the texture is ample and silky, supported by a lively and linear acidity, with beautiful concentration, a harmonious structure, and a long, saline, and persistent finish that underscores the volcanic origin of the terroir.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!