San Felice vineyard
Grape row orientation: north-south
Soil: alluvial origin clay-calcareous soil
Implantation year: 1993
Grape variety: Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Vine training system: guyot
The San Felice vineyard lies around the winery of the same name, in a district of Montorio, a few kilometers north-east of Verona. It forms part of the narrow strip of vineyards (about 12 km long) which goes by the name of Valpantena.
There are various hypotheses regarding the origin of this name: some say that it derives from that of the Pantena stream that flows for some 30 km along the valley, others maintain rather more fancifully that the name comes from Greek and translate Valpantena as “the valley of all gods”, referring to the domestic deities of the Roman nobles who once colonized the zone, attracted by its beautiful and eminently hospitable setting.
Villa Borghetti vineyards in Valpolicella
Grape row orientation: north-south
Exposure: east/south-east
Soil: clay soil with morainal origin
Implantation year: 1998
Grape variety: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Molinara
Vine training system: guyot
The Villa Borghetti vineyards are located at Valgatara, a little hamlet in the municipality of Marano in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone, some 15 km from Verona. According to some academics, the origin of this name derives from Latin and can be translated as “valley of many (polys) wineries (cellae)”; the history of grape-growing seems to go back to the V century b.C.
During the Roman period, the “vinum Rhaeticum”, indicated by Pliny as native of this area, was appreciated by poets such as Virgil and Martial, was aged in amphoras and was the preferred wine by Emperor Augustus.
This is an area traversed by many streams and lies at an altitude varying between 70 and 400 m above sea level. The influence of the Lessini Mountains, the Dolomites and Lake Garda gives this zone a mild, temperate climate. The soil is rich in minerals, and is made up mainly of limestone, with areas of basaltic tuff.
The Villa Borghetti vineyards, dedicated to native grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella, surround the 17th century villa of that name, whose ground-plan remains the typical one of local country homes, with buildings arrayed around a courtyard.
Mizzole vineyard
Grape row orientation: north-south/east-west to avoid grape extra-exposure to sun
Exposure: east/south-east
Soil: calcareous with presence of volcanic basalts
Implantation year: 1980-1990
Grape variety: Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Vine training system: guyot and pergola (in the older part)
The Mizzole vineyard is located in Valpantena, in the Mizzole Valley, which is traversed by the Fibbio river and has its origin in Montorio area. The valley is carachterized by several mountain plates and a continuous interchange of hills and plains that make this area particularly suitable for grape growing. A megalith (menhir) standing above the vineyard dates back to the prehistoric era. Such megaliths were usually located in holy places endowed with a peculiar energy, connected to emotions and rituals.
Montorio castle vineyard
Grape row orientation: east-west/north-south
Exposure: south
Soil: calcareous with presence of vulcanic basalts
Implantation year: 1980-1990
Grape variety: Corvina, Corvinone, Molinara Nera, Merlot
Vine training system: guyot
The vineyard is located under the suggestive medieval Montorio Castle which was part of the massive defensive system of the area. Emperor Otto III donated the Castle to the San Zeno Monastery in 995. In the XII century the Castle was considered as the keystone of the fortified complex built to defend the plains surrounding Verona. In the higher part of the vineyard, some ruins of an ancient Roman wall could suggest the presence of a housing unit on the hill.
Matteranetta vineyard
Grape row orientation: east-west/north-south
Soil: alluvial-pebbled
Implantation year: 1998
Grape variety: Pinot Grigio
Vine training system: guyot
It is located near the San Felice vineyard, halfway between Montorio and San Martino Buon Albergo.
Its name derives from an Abbess dated XIII century named Mater Anna. The nearby Villa Mattarana was built in the XV century and still hosts frescos by the celebrated artist Paolo Caliari “Il Veronese”.