Alcohol: 12%
Grape(s): Garganega
Localization: Soave, Veneto, Italy
Tasting Notes: The color is a brilliant straw yellow with fresh fruit perfumes, especially apple and pear, and floral notes such as elder and bloom. The taste is very fresh and fruity, (yellow plum, star fruit, and ground ginger), with a very interesting acidity. There is an important presence of mineral salts due to the volcanic origin of the soil.
Food pairing: Ideal as an aperitif, light main courses such as pasta and risotto, shellfish and fish, soups and vegetables.
The Domain: Cantina di Gambellara was founded in 1947 by a group of 26 associated vine-growers, becoming the first cooperative winery in the Vicenza province. Today the cooperative has 365 members, 650 hectares of vineyard, and an annual production of nearly one million cases.
Cantina di Gambellara is in the middle of four historic DOC production areas: Gambellara, Colli Berici, Lessini Durello and Soave. The vineyards are mainly located on the hillsides of Gambellara, famous for their volcanic soil; tophus, and basaltic rocks that emerge on the surface in columns with polyhedric shapes. The soil is rich in mineral salts, potassium, and magnesium, giving the grapes great richness and aromatics.
About 50% of the vineyards are located on plains, providing the source for table wines and blends. The remaining 50% are ancient vineyards located on hills surrounding the villages of Gambellara, Soave, Zarmeghedo, Montebello, and Montorso Vicentino. Production is low here, but the quality is outstanding.