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Wine Tasting Adventure

2024 Cantina di Gambellara, Monopolio Gambellara Classico - Liberty

£11.49 GBP
£11.49 GBP

Cantina di Gambellara is a cooperative winery founded in 1947. Today it has nearly 300 members who farm 600 hectares on the border between the provinces of Vicenza and Verona, only a few miles east of Soave. In 2015, this Cantina merged with the Cantina Colli Vicentini (from whom we buy the Ca’ di Alte wines). Matt Thomson of Blank Canvas has been consulting on the winemaking since vintage 2017, working closely with the Cantina di Gambellara Oenologists Stefano Lovato and Damiano Noro.

Lovato and Noro select the best grapes from the volcanic hills that comprise Gambellara natural amphitheatre, to make his Gambellara Classico. Garganega grapes are briefly macerated before fermenting at low temperatures. The resulting wine is dry and scented, displaying a pronounced minerality and a long finish. The Merlot is riper and better structured than many wines made from this variety in the Veneto. The Pinot Grigio has delicate aromas of citrus fruit and floral notes. The Pinot Nero has an intense and elegant nose with notes of violets, red berries and cherries.

The Durello Spumante is a Charmat method sparkling made from Durella grapes grown in the mountainous Lessini area. This variety has been grown in this area since the Middle Ages. Thick-skinned with good acidity, it has a distinct character that sets it apart from other sparkling wines from north-eastern Italy. The Prosecco Spumante was made using the Charmat method and shows delicate fruity notes of white pear and peach with a well-balanced acidity.

The Garganega grapes are grown in selected vineyards on the hills of the commune of Gambellara. All vineyards are at least 20 years old, planted in volcanic soils derived from basalt that are rich in minerals, promoting full ripening and aromatic complexity. The natural amphitheatre of hills surrounding Gambellara reaches up to 500 metres above sea level; however, the vineyards are planted between 100 and 350 metres on north‑ to south‑facing slopes, offering the optimal combination of aspect, soil composition, and sun exposure.

The 2024 vintage experienced mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the spring. June and July were warm, with an excellent diurnal range, while August was sunny, allowing the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. Harvest took place in early September.

The grapes were destemmed, followed by a brief maceration at around 10°C. After a gentle crush, fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at 14-16°C. The wine remained on its lees for three to four months.

The wine is dry and complex, displaying a pronounced minerality and a long finish. It has yellow peach aromas and a touch of spice, which adds complexity and a pleasant long finish.