Alfio Mozzi is a man with an unfaltering dedication to his land and his family. Transforming the unique terroir of the Valtellina- giving a voice to the land through the gift of one’s self he captures each vintage with integrity and heart.
A small family grower having a 24 hour relationship with the land, he cultivates 3.5 ha on the western side of the Sassella sub zone in the comune of Castione Andevenno. Together with his nephew Alessandro, wife Monia, sister, children, parents, friends and dogs they capture the emotions of each harvest in an annual production of only 15,000 bottles.
Alfio was born the the vineyard, all his grandparents were winemakers and his work is very much apart of his life’s purpose. In his youth after working as a blacksmith for 11 years, he decided to devote himself to the cultivation of the vine- merging the different plots of lands owned by his family in 1998.
In 2010 he was able to make his dream of bottling and producing his own label a reality with his first wine “Grisone” named after the historical name for the Sassella sub zone. His Grisone is followed by his Riserva and Sforzato; only produced in exceptional vintages.
Arpepe represents 5 generations of dedication to family, history, and the remarkable Valtellina. With a high regard and respect for nature and a manifestation for quality, they cultivate magic and set the standard for this very special region as a whole. Sassella, Grumello and Inferno expressions speak with firm affirmation, yet softly of the regions intricacies- with poise, grace, fierceness, credence and conviction.
Isabella, Emanuele and Guido carry on their family’s legacy and father’s namesake in the wines of Arpepe- each with deeply rooted meaning in the history of their parents and the visionary culmination of their life’s work. Arpepe- an acronym of his own name, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego gave rebirth to his family’s winery and name simply “Pelizzatti” sold long ago, to which his children continue to honor the land with patience and passion and pride.
Highly respected and rightly amongst the worlds best expressions, their Nebbiolo of the alps- locally known as “Chiavennasca” brings new meaning to the idea of native grape varietals, as each wine captures the land and its corresponding vintage in excess. Classy, reserved and timeless- the wines of Arpepe breathe life into ancient traditions while enchanting all those who meet their acquaintance.
https://www.arpepe.com/
Photography credit to: https://www.beniaminopisati.com/
Cantina Toblino is a historic cooperative in Trentino based on high quality wines of traditional varieties that depict the story of its rich origins. With great respect and in harmony with nature through organic viticultural practices combined with a guest focused experience, they excel in every step: from grower relationships, to the very feeling each glass releases to the consumer. In the heart of the Valle dei Laghi, the soul of the community thrives in cooperation between over 600 growers through 60 years, with dedication and respect across all components. With a focused identity in the native Nosiola grape, they commemorate tradition while continuing to excite palates across all offerings from their dry still examples through to their Vino Santos.
https://www.toblino.it/en/
Corte San Benedetto is located in Arbizzano di Negrar inside the ancient rural court from which the winery took its name.
This young family-run winery was born in 2006 with the help of their father Mariano when two brothers Angelo and Loris decided to continue the activity initiated in 1956 by their grandfather Angelo.
The Lavarini family owns 18 hectares, 4 of which are located in the Classico zone which they cultivate in production of Amarone, Recioto, Valpolicella and Ripasso wines.
https://www.cortesanbenedetto.com/
Il Poggio di Gavi is a living story of heart, strength, commitment and magic on the charming Rovereto Hill atop the centerpiece of the Gavi appellation.
Growing up alongside her great grandfather Alfredo amongst the vineyards and rolling hillsides, Francesca realized her true calling in 2003 and made the commitment to dedicate her heart and soul to breathing life back into the family wine cellar.
Starting out with only 4,000 bottles per year, to now reaching 33,000 she retains her commitment and focus to the utmost respect for nature. She views environmental conservation as natural and essential, a day by day way of life. Using no herbicides, pesticides, or chemicals; she promotes balance in the vineyard with natural cover crops, recycled rainwater and utilizes solar energy to power her cellar. The path towards ultimate harmony and sustainability is a long road- yet one that Francesca takes with persistence, patience and pride.
Francesca is joined by her family in maintaining her haven in Gavi. Her sister Alessandra helps with the resort, daughter Giorgia in the cellar, and husband Angelo in the vineyards and surrounding woods.
Her Gavi tells stories of real well-being; in the vineyards, the place, the grapes through to glass and the very people behind them. Francesca, through her love for the magnificent hills, the way of life of the people who live there and the produce of the land- she is but an avenue for the crisp colorful message of her Gavi.
Situated amongst the rolling Monferrato hills, the commune of Strevi is home to the two mallards in flight- the face of Marenco viticoltori. From 1925, 4 generations have continued the rich tradition and vision started by Michele Marenco with the commitment in excellence through their desire to express the unique varieties from their corner of Piemonte.
Their connection to the land and deep respect for nature and the environment is evident in each step of their production. Renowned for their expressive and pure moscato bianco bottlings, Marenco captures their guests and attracts enthusiasts with their unmatched brachetto, albarossa, caricalasino and barbera offerings aside their complete line in Monferrato mainstays.
https://en.marencovini.com/
Roccafiore; the realization of a vision and intuition between Leonardo and Luca Baccarelli to a production philosophy entirely in tune with the earth. Environmental biodiversity aligned with both head and heart forged the journey to representing the green heart of Italy with the utmost respect for community and sustainability.
The organic winery and estate was established in 1999 with the planting of entirely new vineyards from Grechetto di Todi (G5 clone), Sangiovese, Moscato Giallo, Sagrantino and Montepulciano. First under the guidance of Consultant winemaker Hartman Dona of Cantina di Terlano, Luca since 2014 has taken the role of winemaker along with the other operations even though he never received any formal education. Sometimes wisdom and knowledge cannot be taught and this connection to the land, it’s produce, harmony and balance through to that of their clients experience, create fluidity full circle inside the heart of Roccafiore.
15 hectares of vineyards are maintained in sync with all forms of life within a utopia abundant with diversity. 90 hectares composed of vineyards, olive groves, legumes, vegetables, grains, orchards (hazel, cherry, orange, lemon, peach, apple, pomegranate trees) and botanical gardens enrich the land and it’s environment encouraging eco sustainability.
For the Baccarelli’s wine is not merely a consumer product but a complex distillate of flavors and experiences; the encapsulation of agriculture and the seasons that stamp the wine with the markings of its creators in with the rhythm dictated by nature.
In their ongoing quest to higher sustainability on all fronts they have implemented numerous changes as being a green heart quality certified winery for sustainable agriculture in Umbria. 100% solar powered, rain water collection, lighter bottles, biofuels for equipment, gravity flow in the winery, alternative row weeding, green manure, and reforestation help protect and grow this unspoiled landscape of history and charm that surrounds the undulating hillsides of Todi.
With poise, elegance and the principles of belonging, identity and character; inspiration, heart, and passion; the land - is not merely soil but the evocation of beauty in the collective of life’s moments.
In the small comune of Castelletto d’Orba in the province of Alessandria, Piemonte, you will find the small cantina of Luigi Tacchino. 3 generations of wine growing in Alto Monferrato, with a focus on crafting exceptional Dolcetto and Barbera wines amongst their complete portfolio of native varietals. They truly reflect the unique designation of Ovada and the attentive hard work and patience given by this devoted family.
Today Romina and Alessio follow in their forefathers footsteps to continue to showcase the pride of their land and honor their family through quality, tradition, forward thinking and an immense passion for the land that fuels their spirit.
http://www.luigitacchino.it/
