VISIT GAMBELLARA AND LESSINI DURELLO DOCS

SELVA DI MONTEBELLO:
THE ELEGANCE OF VOLCANIC WINES

 

In the heart of the Veneto region, in the province of Vicenza, a wine-growing area of extraordinary beauty rises like a hidden jewel.

Volcanic Origin: The Key to Exceptionality

The distinctive feature of this area is its basaltic soil of volcanic origin, which gives the grapes grown here an unmistakable mineral imprint. This unique geological base gives wines, especially whites, complexity and depth, unmistakably conveying the area’s terroir not only to native grape varieties, but also to international ones such as chardonnay and pinot blanc.
The geological heritage is revealed in the very special columnar basalts that can only be seen here. These rock conformations are due to the fact that volcanoes in the area are located underwater. Therefore, it was not a “simple” volcano, but underwater volcanoes, and this is the factor that distinguishes Gambellara and the Lessini Hills from any other volcanic area in Italy.

 

The Autochthonous Grapes

Durella and Garganega, our pride

In our area, indigenous grapes are the focus of winemaking activities. The characteristic varieties are Garganega for Doc Gambellara and Durella for Doc Lessini Durello.
Garganega is the predominant crop, with its grapes bringing freshness and aromaticity to white wines. Its aromatic and sugary richness also makes it an ideal grape for drying, which is traditionally done here in Gambellara on picai. The best clusters are selected, braided into long strings and then hung(picai, in dialect) from the rafters of well-ventilated attics, where a slow and natural drying process takes place.
Durella, on the other hand, is characterized by a very hard skin (as the name suggests)rich in valuableorganoleptic substances, and a distinct acidity. It contributes to the creation of extraordinarily pleasant and unique sparkling wines capable of sustaining long bottle aging.

 

The typical wines of Vicenza

Gambellara Classico and Recioto di Gambellara DOCG

Gambellara DOC is renowned for the production of both dry and sweet white wines made from Garganega. These wines are distinguished by their freshness, balance and aromatic complexity. Gambellara Classico, for example, enchants with notes of white-fleshed fruit and a minerally lingering finish. Recioto di Gambellara, on the other hand, is a sweet and enveloping nectar, perfect for sealing special moments.

 

Refined bubbles with Lessini Durello Metodo Classico

The Lessini Durello DOC is the home of sparkling wines made from Durella. This unique variety gives the wines a lively acidity and pleasant minerality. Lessini Durello sparkling wine, especially in the classic method variant, with its elegant bubbles and citrusy freshness, is a product of excellence found only in our territory, and it has nothing to envy from the more noble sparkling wines. Try it to believe it!