Wine Sartori, “I Saltari” Amarone della Valpolicella DOC, 2015

“Saltari” – a line of wines, developed by Sartori and dedicated to the concept of caring for the vineyard, which is reflected in each bottle of wine. The choice of the name of the ruler is due to the deep meaning of the word “Saltari”, which designates the protector of the birthplace of wine, the keeper of the vineyards. Saltaro is a real profession, which originated in the beginning of the XVI century and existed right up to the Napoleonic era. Saltaro was obliged to shoot at the thieves who ravaged the vineyards. On the territory of Verona, Saltaro provided their services until the annexation of Veneto and Lombardy by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The historical importance and popularity of the keepers of the vineyards pushed and inspired the manufacturer to the name of the project and the line of wines.

“I Saltari” Amarone della Valpolicella DOC is a semi-dry red wine made from Corvina, Korvinone, Rondinella and Croatina grapes grown in the company’s vineyards. High stoniness and poor access to water resources create unique conditions for very low yields, but at the same time extremely high quality berries. Grapes are carefully selected in small plastic boxes of 5-6 kg. Then the berries are placed in special drying chambers with the ability to adjust the level of humidity. Here, the grapes remain for 3 months, losing in the amount of 30%. This method allows to achieve a high concentration of the necessary substances and sugars in the berries. Vinification is carried out in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature for 20-30 days. This is followed by maceration and the stage of malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 4 years, so that the wine finds balance and roundness of tannins.

The estate I Saltari is located in the valley of Mezzana. Its territory includes 34 hectares of vineyards. In order to emphasize the peculiarity of autochthonous grape varieties, exclusively local varieties are grown in the vineyards, such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, as well as small plantings of ancient Croatin, Corbin and Oseleta varieties. Planting density ranges from 2,5003,000 to 3,5004,500 vines / ha, depending on the grape variety and the age of the vines. Average yield: 1.5 kg of grapes from the vine.