Santi

The Santi estate takes the shape of an extensive and important winery in Valpolicella, located just a stone's throw from Ilasi, a medieval village rich in history. The winery's foundation dates back to 1843, the year in which Carlo Santi undertook the activity, immediately orienting itself toward quality production based on a strict selection of grapes from the most suitable vineyards. Another important figure for the estate was Attilio Gino Santi, a far-sighted innovator who in the 1930s was among the first in Italy to implement a sparkling wine plant. Since 1974 the estate has been owned by Gruppo Italiano Vini, the most important group in Italy for the production and marketing of fine wines, which has been investing in improving facilities and technologies for more than 50 years. In this regard, in 2016 the winemaking and aging rooms were completely renovated according to the vision of Cristian Ridolfi, an oenologist from Verona at the technical management of the winery.

The vineyards of the Santi estate are spread over more than 50 hectares, conducted by applying the principles of integrated pest management with the aim of making limited and rational use of phytosanitary treatments. The grape varieties grown are the traditional ones of Valpolicella, namely Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara, flanked by smaller percentages of the other indigenous varieties Forselina, Negrara, Oseletta, Rossignola and Simesara. As per the specifications, the grapes destined for Amarone and Ripasso are subjected to prolonged drying in fruit lofts for a period of 3-4 months, during which the grapes dehydrate, concentrating sugars and aromatic substances. In general, mainly thermoregulated steel tanks are adopted for fermentations, with the subsequent maturation periods taking place in steel, cement or wooden barrels of various sizes and types: from barriques to large barrels, from cherry to chestnut wood, from oak to acacia, all containers adopted in relation to the winemaking objective.

In addition to Valpolicella, the centerpiece of Santi's signature production, the winery's selection includes wines from the neighboring territories of Soave, Bardolino, and Lugana. Dwelling on the Valpolicellas, these are characterized by their soft and generous taste, as well as the fruit that is always in evidence.