Cantina di Gambellara is a cooperative winery founded in 1947. Today it has nearly 300 members who farm 600 hectares on the border between the provinces of Vicenza and Verona, only a few miles east of Soave. In 2015, this Cantina merged with the Cantina Colli Vicentini (from whom we buy the Ca’ di Alte wines). Alberto Marchisio is now responsible for winemaking, with Matt Thomson of Blank Canvas involved as a consultant.
Alberto selects the best grapes from the volcanic hills that comprise Gambellara natural amphitheatre, to make his Gambellara Classico. Garganega grapes are briefly macerated before fermenting at low temperatures. The resulting wine is dry and scented, displaying a pronounced minerality and a long finish. The Merlot is riper and better structured than many wines made from this variety in the Veneto. The Pinot Grigio has delicate aromas of citrus fruit and floral notes.
The Durello Spumante is a Charmat method sparkling made from Durella grapes grown in the mountainous Lessini area. This variety has been grown in this area since the Middle Ages. Thick-skinned with good acidity, it has a distinct character that sets it apart from other sparkling wines from north-eastern Italy.
