Located in the center of Valpolicella on one of the five ridges that descend in the valley (which resemble the fingers of a hand), Monte dall’Ora is the creation of Carlo Venturini and his wife Alessandra Zantedeschi. Both are from vigniaoli families, but decided to start fresh with their own estate in 1995. At the time, the purchased terraces were in terrible condition and everything had to be rebuilt.

Vines are either selection massale or grafted on American rootstock. Carlo has chosen to work with (and in some cases, replant) the region’s traditional varietals: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oselata (a lost indigenous grape). The estate was worked organically until 2006, when the couple converted to biodynamic agriculture. The soils are unique to their particular ridge, and are composed of limestone with a reddish hue. The first 15 meters are very soft and porous, permitting the vines’ roots to penetrate deep in the subsoil.

Instead of worrying about lower yields for higher concentration, Carlo prefers focusing his energy on balance in the vineyard: this essentially means promoting agricultural and natural biodiversity instead of just vine tending. Grass grows free, with cherry and olive trees complimenting the entirety of the vineyard. This work philosophy continues through the winemaking: “Finding the equilibrium in the vineyard brings balance in the cellar.”

-Louis/Dressner