ITA_GG_N45-WEB

ITALY
– ORGANIC WINES –
use of green manure with leguminous crops in the interrows,
and natural nitrogen fertilization. This method of
production is supported by the soil and climate of an
area which is characterised by excellent wind flow, low
rainfall, high levels of sunlight and a good temperature
range. These factors make it possible to use few (if any)
systemic treatments with only a few essential uses of
copper, sulphur, lime or gypsum. Although this method
is not classified as organic, it respects the environment
and biodiversity, guaranteeing the genuine characters
and wholesomeness of the wines produced.
Moreover, the winery completes the quality control
process by overseeing the entire production cycle, from
the vineyard to bottling and packaging. For the tartaric
stabilisation phase, it uses cold temperature control,
bringing the temperature down to minus 6-8 degrees
and allowing natural precipitation of the solids, without
using other products which, although authorised, do not
guarantee the same results.
Annual production is about 100,000 bottles and the
wines’ focus is on typicality, genuine characters and
sincerity. Over the years, they have been enjoyed in areas
such as the USA, Canada and the EU, where they are
valued for their tradition rather than their certification.
La Contralta is a visionary project to support the land,
traditional vines and the men and women who live there
and care passionately about their land
SARDINIA
LA CONTRALTA
La Contralta is a young company established in 2019
which has around 30 hectares of land divided into
2 farms. The farm to the south of Olbia is in the Enas
area in the municipality of Loiri Porto san Paolo and has
5 hectares of espalier vines that are around 18 years old;
a new winery is being built here. The farm in Palau starts
on the hill and goes all the way down to the beach, where
there is the original building used to receive guests, and
where alberello vines have been planted at a density of
10,000 plants per hectare. The aim is to produce wines
that are identity-driven, minimalist, elegant, vertical and
long-lived.
Agronomist Maurizio Saettini ensured the principles
of integrated pest management and the protection of
biodiversity were implemented, using an approach based
on integration and balance between history, culture,
knowledge and intuition.
Roberto Gariup, co-founder and winemaker at La Contralta
AUTUMN 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE 99