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Grape: Garganega
ABV: 12%
Soils: Loam, silt, volcanic
The Story: What force of nature brought Angiolino Maule to the vines? On meeting him, you would swear he was born to it, that he breathes it, that the vineyard is deeply a part of his soul. A man of true conviction in viticulture, Angiolino actually started his working life running a pizzeria of some renown in Italy (his wife Rosa behind the oven and Angiolino front of house). But the earth and the vines were calling him all the while. Through his hard work and sterling reputation, Angiolino was able to save enough money to start his winery. He chose the hamlet of Gambellara (near Vicenza) and, principally, the Garganega grape to make his magical music in a glass. These hills are volcanic in origin, and have rich, dark mineral soils with good amounts of fine clay. They are south facing slopes that are protected from the blasts of Alpine northern winds by the southern Dolomites. Angiolino’s estate, in the hamlet of Biancara, now covers about 18 hectares. For decades now, he has plowed in his vines and not used any soil treatments, chemical or otherwise. Using biodynamic viticultural practices, Angiolino has created an organic, living soil and ecosystem for benefiting the health of the vines and their resistance to any form of malady. He is unwavering in his belief that great wines are the result of healthy, beautiful, handpicked fruit, and the only way to achieve this is through natural processes.
Personality: Cloudy, medium-bodied, this pétnat slaps! In the nose we find apple and peach combined with tones and notes of bakery goodies but slight chalky. Acacia and jasmine flowers round things out. Explosions of citrus hit the palette and exotic memories emerge from the brainlobes.
Harmony: Hop on a gondola joy ride and sing Mariah Carey’s ‘Fantasy’ over the sweet serenade you paid for. If there’s any of this bubbly Soave left, stick some soft cheese in your mouth between versus.