I Saltari

The Saltari were mercenary vineyard guardians hired by property owners from the 16^th-18^th centuries to protect their grapes from thieves and bandits. With legal authority to shoot on sight, they were ready defenders of the vines. The choice of name reflects the winery’s own dedication to defending tradition and expressing the unique terroir of the Mezzane Valley in Valpolicella.

AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOCG

Amarone DOCG Soil & Aspect Terraced hillside vineyards between 150m and 300m above sea level in the Mezzane valley. Calcareous alkaline soil with medium depth root penetration. A combination of excellent drainage (& poor water retention by the soil) together with a stony textured topsoil, create the ideal condition for high quality and low yield grape production. Grape Varieties 60% Corvina, 10% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella & 10% Croatina Vinification Grapes are carefully selected & placed in small plastic crates containing 5-6kg of fruit. These same crates are then transferred to drying lofts (“called fruttai”) which are conditioned humidity to ensure perfect drying conditions for the grapes. The grapes remain here for a approximately 3 months during which time they will lose 30% of their weight, thereby concentrating all essential compounds contained within the berry. Vinification then takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks where, through 20-30 days maceration & fermentation and the use of techniques such as rack & return and regular pumpovers, the new wine is born. Once the wine has been racked off its gross lees, it is transferred to barrels to undergo Malolactic Fermentation. Barrel sizes vary from 225 liter Barriques, through 500lt Puncheons to 2000-2500lt casks. During the 48 months, the wine goes through regular rackings and topping-up of the barrels until final blending, imparting balance, finesse, and suppleness of tannins. Characteristics Ruby red colour with violet flecks of great intensity. Spicy aroma with hints of dried figs, morello cherry, aromatic herbs. Good persistency on the palate, elegant and delicate tannins, pleasant velvety balsamic note. Well balanced and persistently ‘embracing’ aftertaste. Food Matching All types of Game, Braised meats, Grilled Red Meats & mature Cheeses.

VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC

Grapes are carefully selected & placed in small plastic crates and carried immediately to the winery. Here a second selection is done on a conveyer belt before pressing the grapes. Vinification then takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks where, through maceration & fermentation and the use of techniques such as rack & return and regular pump-overs, the new wine is born. Once the wine has been racked off its gross lees, it is transferred to barrels to undergo Malolactic Fermentation. Barrel sizes vary from: 2000-2500 liter casks, 500lt Puncheons, 225lt Barriques. During the 12-14 months, the wine goes through regular rackings and topping-up of the barrels until final blending, imparting balance, finesse, and suppleness of tannins.