BALESTRI VALDA
SOAVE - VENETO
“We say no to chemicals and grow our vines and olive trees according to the principles of organic viticulture with every agricultural practice being an expression of our deep respect for nature and harmony with our ecosystem. That’s why we started beekeeping with enthusiasm. Our happy bees prove that protecting biodiversity is possible and a duty we take on with pleasure.”
The quote perfectly sums up Laura’s project. She is the latest custodian of a precious patchwork of organically farmed vineyards and olive groves in the heart of Soave. These culminate with an important holding in the tiny cru of Sengialta (‘Sengio’ in local dialect refers to basalt rock). Soils are dark and volcanic, vineyard exposures are southern and at altitudes ranging from 180 - 300m. Laura and her partner Federico concentrate on low yields from Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave, with winemaking inspired by a respect for their precious terroir and heritage. This place gives the peak expression of native grapes Garganega & Trebbiano di Soave (the same DNA as Verdicchio from Le Marche). Laura makes some wonderfully contrasting wines: from ‘Libertate’, which is terracotta amphora raised Trebbiano di Soave, to ‘Vigneto Sengialta’, a cru bottling of old vine Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave aged on lees in 20 hectolitre ‘botti’. Balestri Valda’s wines are alive, textured and pure.
THE WINES
NV Balestri Valda ‘Volkanus’ Soave Brut Biologico
In addition to the sizzling still wines, Laura’s father and brother are local sparkling wine experts, producing for a number of other producers in the region. It is from here that ‘Volkanus’ was devised. Based on Garganega, it’s a fresh, fine and racy fizz with a fine bead due to extended fermentation (long Charmat).
Balestri Valda Soave Classico DOC
100% Garganega from black basalt soils. Organic. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Fresh, fruity and textured, this wine is unlike the usual bulk Soave we are accustomed to.
The key to this generosity and purity is organic viticulture and the lengths that Laura and Fede go to in caring for their vines. The wine is beautifully balanced - racy yet complete and detailed with plump stone fruits and blossom for character.
“The 2022 Soave Classico Biologico wafts up with a delicate bouquet as orange zest and wildflowers give way to freshly sliced pear and wet stone. It sweeps across the palate, energetic and full of mineral tension, displaying ripe orchard fruits and pretty inner florals. This finishes with medium length and a salty flourish that lingers on.” - Eric Guido, Vinous
Balestri Valda ‘Libertate’ Trebbiano Veronese IGT
Libertate is formed entirely of the rare local grape Trebbiano di Soave, a unique grape that a handful of producers are working hard to reclaim and showcase. The stunning fruit for this wine is vinified in stainless steel and terracotta amphora (lined with their own beeswax) to build texture and breadth in the wine. It's a marvellous white wine; a bargain and a slice of almost-lost history. Peachy stone fruit, melon and lemon meld with pretty herbs and flowers in a wine that helps put Soave back on the map for fine wine.
“Beeswax, pear pulp, yellow florals set off a sense of richness, abundance and the fecundity of Spring. The palate follows suit, hitting initially with a ripe orchard fruit bowl creating texture and richness before the limestone cinches the corset and draws the wine back to the centre. This sense of restraint V abundance is further accentuated by a lovely almond clip on the back end. I can see this with anything from soft cheese to scampi. Gorgeous wine.” - Michael McNamara, PWS
Balestri Valda ‘Sengialta’ Soave Classico DOC 2020
Laura’s project culminates in the tiny cru of Sengialta (‘Sengio’ in local dialect refers to basalt rock) where the soil is an intense dark basalt that is striking to witness. Sengialta is 70% old-vine Garganega and 30% reintroduced Trebbiano di Soave. Organic. Spontaneously fermented in stainless steel followed by 22 months in 2000 litre old oak on fine lees. A sublime, complex, age-worthy white wine.
“Spicy and floral, the 2020 Soave Classico Sengialta opens in the glass with an inviting blend of crushed apples, crystalized ginger and sweet smoke. This is silky and round, nearly opulent in feel, with a core of saline minerals and brisk acids to balance. A salty flourish punctuates the finish, along with hints of lime, creating a savory yet still remarkably fresh impression. Outstanding purity and poise mixed with ripe fruit make the Sengialta a pleasure to taste.” - Eric Guido, Vinous