Cantina Martinelli Il Gigante Soave 2018

Il Gigante is made from 100% Garganega grown on a cru of east-facing volcanic basalt slopes in Fittà, in the northernmost part of the Soave Classico zone, at roughly 300 meters above sea level. The three vineyard plots are surrounded by 1.5 hectares of forest, which provides natural moisture retention, eliminating the need for irrigation. Vines were first planted between 1950 and 1982, putting them at 35 to 65 years of age at harvest.

Cantina Martinelli has farmed these vineyards using organic and biodynamic practices since 2015, with no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged in stainless steel, then bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfite addition at 40 mg/L.

The 2018 vintage shows aromas of lychee, acacia, white stone fruit, and a subtle note of black olive. On the palate it is dry and racy, with candied citrus zest, dried apricot, and a faint hint of bread dough from lees contact. The basalt soils come through clearly as a saline, mineral backbone.