Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The vineyard lies on steep, west-facing slopes at 200–300 metres above sea level. Its black volcanic soils absorb heat well, and the vines are 30–60 years old. Biodynamic practices are followed in the vineyard and cellar, with minimal intervention in natural processes.
Grapes
Garganega contributes structure and acidity, while Trebbiano di Soave adds richness of flavour and aroma.
Vinification
Trebbiano di Soave is harvested by hand from mid-September, followed by Garganega in October. The grapes are sorted twice, destemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in fibreglass tanks at a controlled temperature of 16–18 °C.
Ageing
The wine does not age in oak. It matures on its lees for 12–15 months in glass-lined concrete tanks, followed by at least two months in bottle before release.
Vintage notes
In December 2020, record snowfall affected almost the entire Alpine region, while substantial rain in Soave replenished groundwater reserves. January 2021 brought severe sub-zero temperatures. Growth began during several favourable days in late March, but renewed cold and frost damaged vineyards on the plains; the hillside vineyards and late-ripening Garganega were unaffected. Persistently low temperatures subsequently delayed flowering.
Hot weather arrived in late June, causing water stress and requiring emergency irrigation in some vineyards. Changeable conditions during flowering produced smaller-than-average bunches with fewer berries, while extreme heat and a complete absence of rain also affected fruit set. July brought unsettled weather, including rain and hail, although milder temperatures allowed the vines to complete budding. Dry, windy conditions at the end of the season supported optimal ripening.
Harvest began with Trebbiano di Soave in mid-September. From October, colder nights and a greater difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures helped the grapes complete ripening and improved their quality. Overall quality was excellent, although yields were 25% lower than in 2020.
Label / history
The name “Calvarino” literally means “little Calvary,” referring to the vineyard’s steep slope and the difficulty of working it. The 2021 vintage marked the wine’s 50th anniversary.
