Corte Sant’Alda “Ca’ Fiui”

VENETO, ITALY |  2022

Marinella Camerani is a first-generation farmer who left behind a career as an accountant in her family’s battery factory to pursue a life in agriculture. She now oversees a 40-hectare estate of which only half is planted to vines in the Mezzane Valley, located in the eastern part of the Verona province. This fertile valley is an agricultural treasure, home to vineyards, olive groves, cherry trees, and chestnut trees. It provides an ideal environment for the region’s traditional grape varieties, including Corvina Grossa, Corvina Veronese, Molinara, and Rondinella, all of which come together in the “Ca’ Fiui” blend.

Since taking over the property in 1986, following a particularly difficult harvest, Marinella has become a regional leader in both quality winemaking and sustainable agriculture. She has pursued deep research into her vineyard’s soils, experimented with vineyard density and trellising techniques, and committed fully to organic and biodynamic practices. Her thoughtful stewardship has placed her at the forefront of environmentally conscious viticulture in the Veneto.

“Ca’ Fiui” is crafted from 30- to 40-year-old vines grown across four estate vineyards: Tamasotti, Bianchini, Rossetti, and Cavallero. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in large 40-hectoliter oak vats, and the wine is aged in the same vessels for six to ten months before bottling.

This is a vibrant and soulful expression of Valpolicella. Aromas of red cherry, violet, green peppercorn, dried herbs, cacao, and anise rise from the glass. The palate is bright and energetic, with moderate tannins, food-friendly acidity, and a touch of cherry-pit bitterness on the finish. A perfect red for summer, it offers the charm of Pinot Noir or Gamay while clearly expressing its own identity. Try it with grilled chicken, tuna or swordfish steaks, or a Provençal-style barigoule of fresh vegetables.