Moniga del Garda
Province of Brescia
Established: 1936
Owner: Mattia Vezzola
Winemaker: Mattia Vezzola
Production: 330,000 bottles
Hectares under vine: 36
Viticulture: Conventional
Costaripa is the family estate of Mattia Vezzola, Bellavista’s long serving winemaker and recent winner of Gambero Rosso’s Winemaker of the Year. Situated on the western shore of Lago di Garda, Costaripa means ‘on the coast’. The gently rolling hills, tranquil landscape and charming lakeside villages rest below the backdrop of the mountains to the north. Despite the northerly latitude, the microclimate is nearly Mediterranean and, between the villages of Salo and Limone, there are olive groves, lemon trees, cedars, capers and cypresses as well as vineyards. Not to mention Palazzo Arzaga, one of Trembles’ favourite golf courses!
The region is geographically close to Franciacorta, but with its own set of intriguing native grapes such as Trebbiano del Lugana, Groppello and Marzemino. The vineyards face the lake to receive the rising sun and are well ventilated (due to the moderating breeze from the lake) on free draining morainic soil.
Brut Metodo Classico, Mattia’s specialty, is made from 100% Chardonnay fermented in oak, with an 18 month in-the-bottle secondary fermentation. A pale yellow with green reflections, there are complex aromas of apple, sage and honey, the palate fine and persistent.
Chiaretto is the local name for Rosato wines and Mattia’s ‘RosaMara’ is made from the local grape Groppello (60%) with equal proportions of Sangiovese, Marzemino and Barbera. The vinification is known as ‘a lacrima’ (literally, teardrop) and involves static dripping of the free-run juice when fermentation has just begun, without the use of pressure. A luminous rose petal pink, there are appealing floral notes with cherry and pomegranate fruit, the palate flavourful and beautifully balanced.
Wines
NV Brut Metodo Classico
Chiaretto DOC ‘RosaMara’