Garganuda Valpolicella DOC 2018

Garganuda is Andrea Fiorini Carbognin's project in Soave and Valpolicella, made in collaboration with his brother-in-law Stefano Menti at the Menti winery in Gambellara, Veneto. The vineyards are small parcels farmed biodynamically on volcanic soil, without chemical inputs. A flock of sheep grazes between the vine rows, managing weeds and contributing to soil health.

This Valpolicella DOC is a blend of 80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella sourced from young vines. Corvina brings the sour cherry aromatics and acidity that define the appellation; Rondinella adds floral lift and color. Fermentation is spontaneous using only native yeasts, with no additions in the cellar.

The wine is aged in old oak barrels and stainless steel, then bottled unfined and unfiltered with no added sulfites (under 10 mg/L total). At 12.5% ABV it sits on the lighter end of the red wine spectrum, with a dry, mineral-edged palate and fine-grained tannins.

Valpolicella DOC is produced in the province of Verona in northeastern Veneto. The Classico zone covers the valleys of Fumane, Marano, Negrar, San Pietro in Cariano, and Sant'Ambrogio, with terraced hillside vineyards on the Monti Lessini foothills north of Verona. This wine falls under the broader Valpolicella DOC appellation.