Take Valtènesi, a location that neglects the Brescia side of the lake, squeezed in between the body of water and the morainic hills, dotted with towns, churches and castles, towers and ancient homes that tell the course of its thousand-year history. To ask ourselves about the roots we would most likely reach Greece, if the etymology of the toponym can be traced back to the Vallis Atheniensis where Athenian colonists settled following the Roman armies, while another current of believed links the name Valtènesi to the ancient Pieve Tenense, currently pointed out by Frederick II in 1221. Definitely this land can inform the story of the passage of the Romans and Scaligeri, of the Viscontis, the supremacy of the Serenissima Republic of Venice along with that of the Austrians. It is divided into 7 towns, consisting of seaside and uneven, however when preparing the journey you can merely choose to get lost, overlooking the borders: take pleasure in the beaches of Manerba or the castle of Padenghe, consume a glass of Moniga, deal with the slopes covered in vineyards, from the olive groves, to reach Polpenazze or Puegnago del Garda, the latter home to the Valtènesi consortium.
The history of Valtènesi is fragrant specifically with grapes and olives, however likewise with capers and lemons, in a financial and social material that still preserves a farming occupation. Raising itself in the production of DOP additional virgin olive oil and red wine, whose remarkable nature concentrates on a native range, the delicate yet valuable groppello. We are speaking about a black grape range that just Valtènesi can boast (erratic production specific niches in Val di Non, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna), the glue and icon of the whole district; its name (this time the origin is specific) describes the shape of the lot, little and compact: a genuine knot, “groppo” in dialect. The most prevalent version is that of the groppello gentile, whose grape has an extremely thick skin. thin, violet blue in color; fragile basic material, which needs experience and love in processing – the exact same love that the regional individuals reserve “for household things, those that are understood even before discovering to stroll”, as they state at the Consortium, “which accompany us every action of the method after another in life.” Groppello for that reason as an aspect of daily life, of the standard alphabet, of neighborhood identity. Thus the dedication to a clonal choice task, which in the future will likewise be established in a speculative vineyard, so regarding specify in the field how this range can finest reveal the special, sophistication and skill intrinsic in its DNA.
The vines grow on an uneven location of moraine origin, often sprinkled with flat locations; the environment is reduced by the lake which softens the tones of the Alpine arc, nestling Mediterranean-type plant life. With the arrival of great weather condition, the meadows are colored with primroses and irises, lilies and violets. Typically mixed with other regional vines such as marzemino, barbera, sangiovese, the red vinification of groppello is granted the Doc Riviera del Garda Classico and accompanied by the interesting course that takes a look at champagne production, however it is the historical pink variation that finest improves this native vine, often lead character in pureness. In the red wine that today we frequently choose to call Valtènesi which’s it, a single name for a single red wine and a single area with its individuals, its grapes. Suggestive color, comparable to the rose petal, flower fragrance, aromatic, fresh and unwinded taste, tasty, spring-like however ageless, without seasonality, outstanding for instant intake yet efficient in admirable developments in the improvement of a couple of years.
The wine making approach is main and describes a far-off romance, that in between the Garda noblewoman Amalia Brunati and the Venetian senator Pompeo Molmenti, a terrific enology lover. In 1885 their marital relationship brought the senator to the Brunati belongings, in Moniga, where in 1896 the production procedure of Chiaretto was codified, the production of which had actually been prevalent in the location because the 16th century under the name of “Claretto”. It was believed that a comparable red wine might end up being a pattern in the environment of the Belle Époque, and they were ideal: at the start of the twentieth century the very first acknowledgments got here and Chiaretto started to end up being popular in living spaces and stylish clubs, dominating the Milanese aperitif scene. Chiaretto would stay so up until today, there are still those who call it that, however request Valtènesi and you will constantly have whatever, consisting of the smile of those who invest every day promoting the fruit of this land.
Valtènesi in pink, Monica has a weekend of sweet Garda life.
A great chance to find Valtènesi, the symbolic red wine of the Garda sweet life, is next Might 31st, June 1st and second, a weekend to be enjoyed in the name of “pink beverages” on the lake. Valtènesi in Rosa is the name of the display occasion committed to the rosé of the Brescia Riviera del Garda, 3 days in the superb setting of Moniga castle for conferences, masterclasses and tastings. There are over 100 labels available and it will be a satisfaction to taste the brand-new 2023 vintage, based on custom launched on February 14th, for Valentine’s Day, in memory of the romance that set off the success of this red wine.
This year the baptism really happened on the banks of the Seine: Red wine Paris was selected “to promote our Valtènesi likewise on a worldwide phase and on the marketplace beyond the Alps, infamously conscious the beauty of rosé”, as Paolo Pasini remembers, president of the Consortium. Which this time awaits you on the Brescia coast of “his own” Lake Garda.
The area in 6 labels.
Turina Setamora Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico DOC 2020
From the specific improvement (likewise) in barrique, marketed 2 years after the harvest.
Cantrina Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico DOC BIO 2023
Pure Groppello from light pushing, fragile profile and significant minerality.
Tenute del Garda Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico DOC 2022
Blend with groppello excellent lead character, fresh and drinkable, with noteworthy perseverance.
Leftovers Antitesi Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico DOC 2022
Groppello and Barbera from specific different vinification procedures for a structured and intricate sip.
Costaripa Molmenti Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico DOC 2018
From vineyards over forty years of ages, aged in tonneaux for 2 years and in the bottle for another 3.
Pasini San Giovanni Letter C Valtènesi Riviera del Garda
100% Groppello grew in steel and ceramic on its great lees, susceptible to durability.
