ADVANCED MIXOLOGY
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italy’s
CONTRIBUTION TO THE WINE WORLD IS UNDENIABLE. Italy and France often go back and forth between who sits at number one for being the top wine producing country in the world. Italy has many varieties of indigenous grapes, and one of the richest varieties of wine styles— again, vying with France for the top spot! Referred to as “The Land of Wine” by the Greeks. Italy has been called the best destination in the world for wine lovers. Italy has over 20 different wine growing regions, and produces more than 2000 wine brands. Some of the best-known Italian wine grapes are Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Montepulciano, with more recent years seeing the advancement of deliciously complex white wines as well.
valpolicella
“Italy has the biggest number of native types of grapes,” says Andrea Sartori, President of Casa Vinicola Sartori. “Italian wines are gastronomical, and they are easily matchable with all types of food.” “The Veneto region is famous for popular, easy drinking wines, like Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Bardolino, Soave etc.,” notes Sartori, “All wines which are obtained with native grapes, thought for an easy consumption, with low alcohol and freshness. Valpolicella stands apart from this type of wine thanks to the terroir and ancient tradition.” Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the three most prestigious wines of Italy, together with Brunello di Montalcino and Barolo. “The unique technique, which is used to make Amarone, appassimento, sets this wine in a different position, more related to the enological experience and the expertise of each winery. We prefer to dry the grapes not for a long period, to obtain a good balance between alcohol and juice,” explains Sartori. Valpolicella is a unique region, a group of valleys, with a conformation characterized by deep valleys, terraced vineyard at different altitudes, little rivers, poor soils, and different types of microclimates. “We always aim to produce traditional, elegant, contemporary wines and we never want to follow the 'enological fashion' of the moment by betraying the purpose of our family who always wanted to produce convivial and authentic wines, in respect of tradition and the type of grapes we grow,” says Sartori. The fourth-generation winery is driven by a profound love for their city of Verona. For over a century, the Sartori family has made wines that respect local tradition yet embrace innovation. Their wines are rich with intense flavor profiles authentic to the area.
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