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ALTO ADIGE

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ELENA WALCH

Tramin, Alto Adige

Encouraging quality and innovation, Elena Walch stood at the head of the Alto Adige quality revolution and has gained local and international esteem for her efforts. An architect by trade, Elena Walch married into one of the oldest and most significant wine families of the region and brought new, modern concepts to the traditional establishment. Now, the responsibility for the family business is being put into the hands of the daughters, Julia and Karoline Walch, already the fifth generation.

The philosophy of the estate is dedicated to its terroir – the idea that wines must be the individual expression of their soil, climate and cultivation in the vineyard – and that this must be maintained according to principles of sustainability and passed on to the next generation. The winery currently has 60 hectares in cultivation, including the two top vineyards Castel Ringberg in Caldaro und Kastelaz in Tramin.


EMILIA-ROMAGNA

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CHIARA CONDELLO

Predappio, EMILIA-ROMAGNA

Chiara Condello was born from the awareness of being a keeper of a wine growing history that was written and handed down for hundreds of years in the Predappio hills of Romagna.

Vineyards between 150 and 300 meters above sea level, the vines are deeply rooted in a poor calcareous-clay soil which is rich in pliocenic sandstones called Spungone. Here 3 million years ago there was a sea, and from there she started working to produce a wine that is the expression of this uniqueness.  Condello works in a simple way, following the dictates of organic viticulture, attention and respect for the plants and the soil, organic fertilization, a very low use of sulphur and copper, manual harvests, indigenous yeast fermentation, little temperature control and long maceration. The ageing takes place in Slavonian oak barrels before being completed in the bottle without being filtered. 

“Chiara Condello represents the future of Sangiovese in Romagna and is one of Italy’s brightest young stars.” Gurvinder Bhatia (Global Edmonton & Vinitaly Certified Italian Wine Expert)


CONDÉ

FORLÌ, EMILIA-ROMAGNA

In 2001, Francesco Condello decided to leave the finance industry to establish the Condè winery and fully devoted himself to his passion: winemaking. His desire led him to re-launch the production of the authentic Sangiovese di Predappio which had been partially abandoned in recent years. Primarily planted with Sangiovese, and with a small vineyard of Merlot, the choice of varieties were made following the soil’s traditions and characteristics with a certain complexity and geological variety. Respect for the environment is a fundamental value for the Condé winery. Since 2011 Condé Winery embraced the Magis project, one of the most advanced globally for sustainable wine production and now uses only clean energy for the business. Since 2015, Chiara Condello, Francesco's daughter (and highly awarded winemaker with her own property in Romagna), has been making the wine for this family property.


FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA

I CLIVI

CORNO DI ROSAZZO FRIULI

I Clivi has their ‘no’ policy, which reads ‘No manicured vineyards, no pesticides, no herbicides, no skin contact maceration, no added outside yeasts, no oak, no racking, no filtering, no accelerated vinification, and no bottling before it’s time!’

In Corno di Rosazzo, Gramogliano, Mario Zanusso's father Ferdinando found a home and an important legacy: an old vineyard on Ponca, the great Friulian terroir. Mario today practices beyond organic cultivation and low intervention, as he endeavours to make a “transparent” wine, whose character is shaped entirely in the vineyard by soil, climate and vines.


VINIVERSO DI I CLIVI

CORNO DI ROSAZZO FRIULI

From i Clivi's uncompromising passion, in recent years, wines with a unique and recognizable personality have been born, originating from ancient native vines and, just to pay further tribute to a territory historically dedicated to excellence; the ViniVerso line was recently created. Bringing elegant and fragrant wines to the table, perfect interpreters of the best Friulian tradition and top quality regional viticulture. ViniVerso wines come from the best vineyard areas of the Friuli plain - already mapped at the time of Queen Maria Theresa of Austria -, positively influenced by the particular conformation of the soils and by the influence of the nearby Adriatic; these are pure wines, which fully express themselves. The ViniVerso line is also meant to be a shared project; the merit, in fact, also goes to the collaboration with local winemakers, custodians of precious knowledge.


PIEDMONT

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VILLA GUELPA

Lessona, PIEDMONT

Villa Guelpa’s vineyards cover the whole Alto Piemonte area, from the alluvial pebbles of the hills of Salussola and Dorzano near the lake of Viverone, the sands of Mottalciata, the ancient ones of Lessona, the volcanic porphyries of Bramaterra and back to the recent alluvial soils with sandy texture of Sizzano.

All of the sites come together under the house of Villa Guelpa with its historic cellar in Lessona. Villa Guelpa ferments and ages their wines in cement tanks with the exception of aged reds that are elevated in traditional Slavonian oak barrels. 

“Lessona wines abound with elegance, thanks to mineral-rich yellow sand and vineyard altitudes that range between 722 and 1,181 feet above sea level. They offer bouquets of roses and red woodland berries that follow over to the palate, along with a pronounced mineral vein. Lessona wines have an almost ethereal character, but noble tannins and vibrant acidity impart serious aging potential.” Kerin O’Keefe (Wine Enthusiast)


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RIZZI

Treiso, PIEDMONT

It is an uphill road that leads to Treiso, a small village located at the meeting point of five hills.  Here, the Rizzi Cru is located in the heart of Barbaresco and compelled Ernesto Dellapiana, together with his wife, to leave the city of Turin and his career as an entrepreneur to return to the lands that have always belonged to the family. The Dellapiana family has produced grapes and wines since the 18th century, but the estate only began bottling in 1974. Rizzi farmhouse and its vineyards on the two sides of the hill (Cru Rizzi and Cru Nervo) were the starting point.  In 1984, the family acquired the Boito farmhouse and the adjacent Vigna Boito, still inside the Cru Rizzi, and in 1997, purchased the Manzola farmhouse and its vineyards. Between 2004 and 2018 new acquisitions were made: three hectares in the Cru Pajorè, 5 hectares of Podere Stella at Neviglie and finally 1.5 hectares in the Cru Giacone and 3 hectares of the Cru Bricco di Neive.  Today, Rizzi reaches over 44 total hectares.  Ernesto and his wife Lia are joined by their two children: Jole, who deals with the management of the winery and sales network, and Enrico, engaged in the farming, vinification and export markets.

“Graceful, harmonious Barbarescos from Ernesto Dellapiana and his son Enrico, two of the kindest individuals I have met in Piemonte. The wines are all aged in large casks and display beautiful Nebbiolo purity, silky tannins, very good acidity and ideal structure for a decade or more of aging. Yet the wines are so appealing upon release, you may not want to wait!” Forbes, The 25 Best Producers of Barbaresco


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CA' DEL BAIO

Treiso, PIEDMONT

In 1870, Giuseppe Grasso moved with his four children from Calosso – in the province of Asti – to Treiso, where he purchased the Cascina Vallegranda farmhouse and land.  For four generations, Ca’ del Baio has been a family affair. Nurtured and passed down from father to son, today it is Giuseppe’s great-grandson Giulio and his wife Luciana who, together with their daughters Paola, Valentina and Federica, handle all the business. For the Grasso family, simplicity, a sense of sacrifice and the deep attachment to their land are pre-requisites for guaranteeing wines of quality.  The Ca’ del Baio estate consists of 28 hectares of vineyards in the villages of Barbaresco and Treiso.  All their wines are estate-grown and the winery respects the Green Experience discipline which is a method to preserve the biodiversity and natural resources of the soil, to protect the value of Piedmontese production methods, and to safeguard the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato viticultural environment.

"Elegantly styled Barbaresco … all the wines (possess) lovely harmony; as the fruit, and not wood notes take center stage. Graceful wines from a lovely family!" – Forbes, The 25 Best Producers of Barbaresco


ELVIO COGNO

Novello, PIEDMONT

The Cogno family has been making wine for generations in Piedmont.  In 1990, Elvio Cogno left a long and fruitful partnership and bought a historic 18th-century farmhouse, surrounded by steep sloped vineyards, on the top of Bricco Ravera, near Novello in the Langhe area.  Elvio passed the torch to his daughter, Nadia, and her husband, Valter Fissore, who worked beside Elvio for 25 years.  Today, co-owner and winemaker Valter oversees the production of all Elvio Cogno estate wines. Valter and Nadia cultivate indigenous varieties with organic vineyard practices, low yields per hectare and respect for the natural balance of the vine. They were named in Wine & Spirits Magazine Top 100 Wineries in the World, and one of the 25 Best Producers of Barolo by Forbes.

“The truth is that all of the wines in the estate’s lineup are fabulous from top to bottom… Elvio Cogno (is) one of Barolo’s leading estates.” – Antonio Galloni (Vinous) 

“Novello didn’t exist before Cogno arrived.”  – Ian D’Agata


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PALLADINO

Serralunga d'Alba, PIEDMONT

Hailing from Guarene, Piero Palladino spent his youth in Alba, where he studied winemaking at the Istituto Enologico.  In 1974, Piero purchased the current Azienda Vinicola Palladino and entrusted its management to his cousin Maurilio, his subsequent business partner.  Today his experience is combined with the enthusiasm of the new generation.  Palladino sits nestled in the town of Serralunga d’Alba, in the heart of Barolo, one of Italy’s premier wine-making regions. The Serralunga commune has a distinct reputation within the Barolo towns for producing wines of complexity, power and structure.  The winery grows its Nebbiolo grapes all within the Serralunga commune. All the vineyards are tended with the same philosophy using natural organic and sustainable farming methods. 

“A jewel of an estate in the town of Serralunga that offers beautifully crafted Barolos with superb expression of local terroir. Palladino is just another outstanding producer from Serralunga d'Alba, arguably the finest commune for classic Barolo for aging potential.” Forbes, The 25 Best Producers of Barolo


PUGLIA

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SCHOLA SARMENTI

Salento, PUGLIA

With a history dating back 200 years, the modern story of Schola Sarmenti began in 1999, when it emerged as a modern, high-quality cooperative consisting of 5 farmers and 20 hectares. Now at 20 growers and 77 hectares, the winery is still fiercely committed an authentic expression of the precious terroir of Salento in Apulia, focusing on native varietals such as Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Susamaniello, and Primitivo.  The vines, which reach up to 85 years in age, are grown with the old Apulian training system, albarello.  The grapes are grown organically without using any chemical fertilizers. 


SICILY

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FEUDO MONTONI

Agrigento, sicily

In 1469 A.D., in the heart of Sicily, the noble Aragonese family Abatellis built the baglio (a typical Sicilian court square building) where Montoni's wines are made even today.  Since Roman times, durum wheat has been cultivated in the Sicilian hinterland.  Within these massive expanses of yellow durum wheat, the green vineyards of Montoni have flourished for over 600 years. For centuries, the wheat fields have contributed to a “natural isolation”of Montoni’s high-altitude vineyards. The “Island of Montoni” extends for approximately 80 hectares, with altitudes between 500 and 700 meters. The vines are situated on a hard mountain slope, all east facing, in soil that ranges from sandy to clay. The winds, tramontana and scirocco, and the exposure support Montoni's certified organic farming.

"There are few estates anywhere in Italy making more compelling wines today." Ian D'Agata, Vinous


GIROLAMO RUSSO

ETNA SICILY

Set on the north slope of the mountain, at an altitude of 650-780 metres above sea-level, the winery’s vineyards cover 18 hectares, surrounded by hazelnut and olive groves. Re-established by Giuseppe Russo in 2005, and dedicated to the memory of his father Girolamo, the winery is a powerful expression of Giuseppe’s desire to respect and conserve his family’s traditional values, but interpreting those values in a new and personal way, introducing and developing new approaches to winemaking, but remaining in the village of his birth, Passopisciaro – the centre of the recent renaissance in the great red wines of Etna.


GULFI

Chiaramonte Gulfi, sicily

Gulfi’s accolades demonstrate its status as one of the world's great wine estates – Wine & Spirits Magazine Top 100 Wineries in the World (2018), Best Producer of the Year in Sicily (2016), Vino Slow Award (2014), Le Guide de L’Espresso Wine of Excellence (2012). Gulfi is dedicated to celebrating their land, history, and culture through wine. They are the pioneers of single cru Nero d'Avola.

"Simply put, Gulfi is one of the best--if not the best--producers of Nero d’Avola wines in Sicily as well as one of Italy’s top wine estates." Ian D'Agata, Vinous


NEPETA

NOTO SICILY

Cousins Ferderico Tanasi and Andrea Giudice founded Nepèta in 2016 with the goal of making a traditional liqueur based on Nepitella, a wild mint native to southeastern Sicily where they grew up. Federico and Andrea cultivate Nepitella in certified organic fields at around 600 meters above sea level. Production starts as they infuse the leaves in top quality neutral alcohol for a week and then combined with the alcoholic infusions of PGI Syracuse lemons, bitter orange, gentian, artemisia, and wild Sicilian bitter herbs. The resulting amaro is clean, fresh, and vibrant, made even purer by the fact that no colorants or additional flavoring agents are used. Nepitella itself has a flavor somewhere between mint and oregano, and has a long history of medicinal and beverage uses. Serve neat with a chill, over ice, or in numerous variations on classic cocktails.


VENETO

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CALICANTUS

Calmasino di Bardolino, VENETO

In 2011, Daniele Delaini, Villa Calicantus’s owner, decided to quit a “not bad job” in a bank in Paris to dedicate himself completely to a small vineyard his aunt Teresa gave him years before.  Villa Calicantus is the smallest winery of the Bardolino wine area: 1.2 hectares of vineyards surrounded by olives trees and small woods, on the top of one of the highest hills of the Bardolino Classico area, 2 km away from Lago di Garda. They produce between 4000 and 7000 bottles per year, depending on the weather of the year. Villa Calicantus has produced organically since 2011 and with biodynamic agriculture since 2014. 

The dream of Villa Calicantus is to demonstrate that it is possible to produce a “vin de garde” respectful of all the characteristics of Bardolino wine.  This new idea of Bardolino is based on three elements: balance (have every vine in balance with the soil in which it’s rooted, with the other vines and with the grapes it produces), love of Nature (biodynamics provides a deep comprehension of the land, starting from the soil and from the ongoing balances in the vineyards resulting in wines of vitality, strength, minerality and depth), and respect of the terroir (the morainic soil of the Bardolino Classico area has peculiar characteristics that doesn’t permit the production of rich body and high alcohol wines, characteristics too often confused with a wine’s complexity).  Villa Calicantus is dedicated to obtaining wines with elegance, finesse and complexity, authentic expressions of the Bardolino and Lago di Garda. 


COFFELE

Soave Classico, VENETO

Coffele was the first certified organic producer in the Soave DOC Classico zone.  The Coffele Estate comprises around 25 hectares under vine in Castelcerino, a single block mainly devoted to the Garganega grape. The vineyards are surrounded by centennial olive trees, cherries and the woods. The Coffeles were the first private vine grower of the Soave Classico zone to believe in the Castelcerino crus. They are the highest vineyards in the Soave Classico zone (up to 400 m above sea level) and are located in the northernmost part of the Municipality of Soave. They face south-south-west and there are notable differences between the southern soils (calcareous) and those to the north (basaltic). The former offer to the wines higher acidity, finesse and longevity, while the darker volcanic soils give more body and complexity. The constant presence of northerly winds keeps the grapes healthy, a benefit for the management of an organic vineyard.