comtinued
A
day in the Province of Vicenza
At the border of Verona and Vicenza is Gambellara D.O.C. which
is also made with the Garganega grape. In addition to the dry
white wine Gambellara, Garganega is also used in the sweet wine
production of Gambellara Vin Santo D.O.C.G. and Recioto di Gambellara
D.O.C.G.
Monti Lessini D.O.C. comes from the hills of Vicenza and is
made with the highly acidic Durella grape to make a crisp sparkling
wine.
At
the foot of the mountains is the area of Breganze, famous for
the Vesapiolo grape which is used to make Breganze Vespaiolo,
Breganze Vespaiolo Spumante and Breganze Torcololato, a passito
wine.
In the south of Vicenza is the Colli Berici D.O.C. which comes
from the Berici Hills. The most typical varietal is Tocai Rosso
(now called Tai Rosso) which is the same clone as Grenache and
has characteristics of strawberry, cherry, raspberry and spice.
Wineries:
Az. Agr. Vignato Virgilio (www.vinivignato.com)
Located in the heart of the DOC Gambellara, Vignato Virgilio
makes the only Vin Santo del Veneto and Recioto Gambellara,
both produced with the Garganega grape. For both wines, the
grapes are picked late harvest and the bunches are hung with
string to the rafters and twisted. The grapes dry in the natural
air and are crushed in late February - early March. The Recioto
is the aged in barrels for one year and then stainless steel,
whereas the Vin Santo is placed in barrels for 3-4 years.
Vignaioli
Contrà Soarda (www.contrasoarda.it)
Located in the DOC Breganze, Soarda means "hamlet on the
slope" and Vignaioli Contra Soarda is just outside of the
twon of Bassano del Grappa on the Saint Michael Hills. Owned
by Gloria and Mirco Gottardi built an eco-friendly winery in
the middle of their 12 hectares of vineyards, as well as the
restaurant Pulierin Enotavola where guests can enjoy the Contra
Soarda wines paired with local products.
Az.
Agr. Colle di Bugano (www.colledibugano.com)
In the DOC Colli Berici, Colle di Bugano's cellars are Dug into
the hill under a thirteenth century tower. Making traditional
varietals, such as Garganega and Tocai Rosso, the wines are
delicate with fruity, fresh characteristics.
Hotel: Hotel Vergilius (www.vergilius.it)
