CONSORZIO TUTELA VINI ARCOLE

Let’s take a look at the map of the DOC Arcole terrirory. If we draw an ideal line between San Bonifacio and Albaredo d’Adige, dividing it into two parts, the result is two geometrical figures. The one on the right reminds one very much of nearby France, while the one on the left looks like a ram’s head. We like to think that the vine-growing area from which DOC Arcole originated developed between these two ideal figures. This territory, boasting over 2000 hectares of vineyards (that in the province of Verona extend to the communes of Arcole, Cologna Veneta, San Bonifacio, Albaredo d’Adige, Zimella, Veronella, Zevio, Belfiore d’Adige and, partly, to Caldiero, San Bonifacio, Soave, Colognola ai Colli, Monteforte d’Alpone, Lavagno, Pressana, Rovereto di Guà, and San Martino Buon Albergo) has taken most of its vine species from France. Not by chance, the DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) regulations talk about Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for red wines, and about Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio Chardonnay, Sauvignon (with the ever present Garganega grafting) for white wines. A DOC and a territory that is similar to France must have its own, although completely different, dedicated lands: from the alluvial lands, rich in sands, of the plain near the Adige river one reaches the clay and limestone of the hills. The first lands produce elegant and refined wines while the latter produce temperamental and meditative ones. Both products are very easy to distinguish and are characterised by sharp aromas and by features that are anything but yielding. Although vine cultivation, in most of this territory, dates back to time immemorial, the DOC recognition is very recent. In fact, it was granted in the year 2000 and, since then, the area has continued to grow, especially quality-wise. All you need do is taste the white and red wines of the local wineshop to realise this. Wines that immediately reveal their features and that depend on the specific characteristics of the grapes used and on the frankness of their species to win over the multitude that (unluckily for them) are not acquainted with them. Nevertheless, we are still in the province of Verona, the land of great wines made from dried grapes: this is how the tradition of the Nero d’Arcole was born, a wine made from the classic “bordolese” blend that is, in this case, dried. Here one finds the ideal combination of Verona with the French wine-making world. One may ask: what about the other, ram’s head shaped, part of the territory? It simply represents the desire of the producers of Arcole DOC to become make its way and become successful in the great world of quality wine. And who can resist a “wine-making ram” of this magnitude? Not even Napoleon Bonaparte who, as history tells, ordered his troupes to retreat on the Bridge of d’Arcole.