2024 Contrada Soarda Vespaiolo

Nestled at the foot of the Asiago plateau in the Veneto region lies the Breganze DOC, an area rich in volcanic history and home to the spectacular Contrà Soarda estate. The name translates to "hamlet on the slope," which perfectly describes the Gottardi family’s breathtaking operation. Pioneers of sustainable viticulture, they constructed a gravity-fed, bio-architecture winery built entirely inside the volcanic hillside to blend into the landscape and naturally regulate temperature. Their vineyards are planted on ancient volcanic tuff and basalt, which provides the ultimate stage for the rare, indigenous Vespaiolo grape. For centuries, Vespaiolo—named after the wasps (vespe) that swarm the vineyards to feast on the sugar-rich berries—was primarily dried to make the famous sweet wine, Torcolato. However, the Gottardi family are masters at showcasing the grape's thrilling potential as a dry white wine. Because Vespaiolo naturally retains sky-high acidity, the volcanic soil acts as a perfect counterweight, adding texture and a profound, savory backbone. In the glass, it shines with a brilliant golden-yellow hue. The nose is a striking blend of acacia flowers, white peach, and citrus zest, anchored by a deep, smoky flintiness. On the palate, it is electric and commanding, with a laser-focused mineral tension and a classic bitter-almond finish. It is the ultimate pairing for the region's famous white asparagus from Bassano, or an elegant seafood risotto.