Corte Mainente Bianco Veronese Secco, Veneto 2022

• Winemaker: Ugo Mainente
• Farming: Organic
• Varieties: Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave
• Terroir: Planted on steep terraces overlooking the town, and with 60-80 years of vine age, the flavors they coax from the patchwork terroir of clay, black volcanic fossils, and pure, white limestone.
• Vinification: Fermented and aged 1 year in concrete tanks
• Tasting Notes:  Flavors of white melon, orange zest, and bitter almond. Refreshing and zesty, while being deeply complex. An excellent food wine!

Tasting Notes from the Explore Like A Somm Club - July 2023:

Corte Mainente Bianco Veronese Secco, Veneto, Italy 2022

Over the last 50 years, Ugo Mainente has established himself as one of the most talented winemakers in Veneto, nestled in the sleepy hills of Soave. Now, together with his sons Marco and Davide, he is ready to make a name for himself beyond Italy's borders. This exclusive US-only bottling is a testament to their dedication to crafting wines of exceptional quality while showcasing the true potential of the broader Verona region. 

Corte Mainente's vineyards, nestled near the impressive Scaliger Castle of Soave, hold a rich family legacy. Ugo’s organic farming practices reflect their deep respect for the land and commitment to sustainable viticulture.  Here, ancient and traditional Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave vines thrive on steep terraces, their roots digging into a mix of clay, limestone, and volcanic soils. The Mainente family carefully hand-harvests and gently presses the grapes to obtain the fresh juice that will eventually become their exceptional wine.

To preserve the wine's integrity, the freshly-pressed juice is transferred to concrete tanks—a hallmark of Corte Mainente's winemaking philosophy. These vessels offer stability and a unique micro-oxygenation process, allowing the wine to evolve gracefully while retaining its vibrant fruit flavors and nuanced aromatics. Over the course of approximately one year, the wine ferments and ages in these tanks, developing its distinct character and complexity.

The Bianco Secco bursts with flavors of white melon, lively orange zest, and delicate hints of bitter almond. Its vibrant acidity and medium body make it a perfect match for light, summery dishes like pasta primavera, linguini and clams, burrata and heirloom tomatoes. or grilled chicken with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of herbs. —Cara Patricia