Page 112 - Exploring Taste Magazine N.2

EXPLORING TASTE—SANTA MARGHERITA GRUPPO VINICOLO

lakes where water resurfaces naturally. At the back of the Estate is The Conegliano and Valdobbiadene hills originated from mo-
the Fadalto alpine pass. Through it, a refreshing breeze blows over raines. They were created by the accumulation of debris and
the area preventing humidity and allowing the bunches to stay dry sediments of various types, transported towards the plain by the
and healthy at all times. action of ancient glaciers. Refrontolo, in particular, is character-
The plot in Refrontolo has the oldest vineyard, dating to 1973, ized by soils of grey clay and “croda”, the typical local rock made
while in San Pietro di Feletto and Cozzuolo there are planta- of pebbles, gravel and limestone sediments. All the hectares of
tions of the late ’80s and ’90s. Since it was bought, attempts the Estate are grown with Glera, Prosecco’s grape symbol, with
have been made to bring the environment back to its original vines facing south and south-east, receiving direct sunlight from
biodiversity. To this end, wild fruit trees, such as persimmons, the morning. Glera is an extremely vigorous variety, with early
pears, apple trees, as well as roses, olive trees and natural for- sprouts and big bunches. It is not very drought-resistant, but the
ests have been maintained. The symbol of the Estate is in fact Refrontolo vineyards are located at a strategic point, where cold
a great nettle tree, arising at the center of the main block. It is and hot currents meet and frequently generate storms.
a tree typical of the area, characterized by a very hard bark that Here winegrowing is indeed “heroic”, with vineyards up on the hills
was used in the past to make walking sticks. The richness of this at 500 meters and inclinations above 10%. To work, it helps to have
ecosystem is very important for the vines’ stability – it secures a small tractor, manually constructed in a workshop near Bolzano.
the area against landslides and prevents soil erosion, which is Narrow and fast, it is essential to deal with the steepest slopes. The
also inhibited thanks to the thorough soil grassing. The Estate co-workers have endearingly renamed it “Vineyard Ferrari”.
complies with the voluntary protocol promoted by the protec- The vineyards have a name too. The Bagolaro vineyard recalls the
tion Consortium and has abolished the use of herbicides and presence of the big central tree, while inside the Stalletta vineyard
invasive chemical treatments. In the near future there is also the an ancient building stands out, one of the f rst buildings recorded in
intention to convert the land into organic agriculture, as is al- the municipality of Refrontolo, at the end of the 19th century. Sasso
ready happening in Tuscany (in Lamole di Lamole) and in Lom- Alto and Sasso Basso also come to mind, being marked by an im-
bardy (in Ca’ del Bosco). The commitment, as for all the other pressive boulder which characterizes their steeply sloping contours.
Estates of the Group, is to combine environmental sustainability The Refrontolo Estate brings to life a unique and absolutely excel-
with economic and social sustainability. lent wine, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Re-

Here winegrowing is indeed “heroic”, with vineyards up on the hills at 500 meters and
inclinations above 10%. To work, it helps to have a small manually constructed tractor.
The co-workers have endearingly renamed it “Vineyard Ferrari”.

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