Cornelia Tessari, (Verona) Veneto, Italy
The Tessari family has Soave in their blood. For three generations, they have been extracting delectable wine from the well-cared-for vines of their Monteforte d’Alpone vineyards. With only a little over a hectare of Garganega grapes in the prestigious area of Soave Classico, Antonio Tessari hand-dug his cellar back in 1933 and started the legacy that continues today with his grandchildren: Germano, Antonio, and Cornelia.
The young, skillful brothers share the same strong spirit for making Garganega that their father Aldo did. From the vineyard to bottle and through the supply chain- these three siblings oversee it all; with unwavering respect for tradition, quality, and passion for the art of winemaking. The highly suited 12 hectares of Garganega vineyards: "Magnavacche", "Costalta," and "Castellaro”, have not been altered since their parents held rank. Today's production is far different, with a new, well-equipped winery completed in 2007. The Tessari trio are able to continue down the path that was established for them when Antonio painstakingly shoveled the first rock eight decades ago.
Founded: 3rd generation, c. 1933
Land: 10 hectares, 325 meters above sea level
Grapes: Garganega only
Viticulture: Organic
Cornelia Tessari | Avus
Garganega Sur Lie Col Fondo/Pet-nat
Grapes: 100% Garganega
Vineyard area: Hills of Monteforte d'Alpone
Soil: Volcanic and clayish
Made in the traditional col fondo style, this bottling undergoes its secondary fermentation in the bottle. With the help of recioto must added to the Soave Classico base, this wine develops a heartier, toastier style that satisfies drinkers for a simple toast or a complex meal. Breadcrumbs and dried earth lead the aromatics of this delightful wine, with the classic Garganega bitter almond coming through in the finish. Fresh with a persistent bubble and a brightly dry finish.
Cornelia Tessari | Grisela
Soave Classico DOC
Grape: 100% Garganega
Denomination: Soave Classico Doc
Vineyards: Monteforte d’Alpone Hills
Soil: Volcanic and clayish
Alcohol: 12.5 %
Tessari’s golden straw-colored Grisela is the backbone of the vineyard, a delicious entry-level wine meant to be enjoyed by friends. The firm, slight Melba toast, elderflower, and chamomile aromatics with notable minerals. The taste of crushed seashells dances on your tongue with a fun duo of stone fruit and citrus. The finish is refreshing with balanced acidity.
Soave is one of the world’s most food-friendly wines. The Grisela is excellent as an aperitif. Perfect with light appetizers, simple New England-style cod stew, risotto with black squid ink, or on its own. Cheers.
Cornelia Tessari | Bine Longhe
Soave Classico DOC
Made only in the best years
rape: 100% Garganega
Denomination: Soave Classico Doc
Vineyards: Monteforte d’Alpone Hills
Soil: Basaltic and clayish
Alcohol: 13,5 %
Bine Longhe Soave Classico is a wine of incandescent autumn straw color, rich and brilliant, which is derived from the late October harvest after the grapes have ‘over-ripened’ for 20 days. With a characteristic strong honeyed herbaceous aroma. Dancing mineral play tag on your tongue, embracing and sedulous on the palate, with a slight aftertaste of bitter almonds.
Soave is inherently a delicate wine; Tessari’s Le Bine Longhe’s wonderful acidity makes it perfect for pairing with food, such as herby pasta dishes like Pappardelle with Zucchini and Mint-Parsley Pesto, fresh tuna salad with avocado, and sausages and cheeses.
Cornelia Tessari | Tre Colli
Recioto di Soave DOCG
And then there is this!
Grapes: 100% Garganega
Vineyard area: Hills of Monteforte d'Alpone
Soil: Volcanic and clay
Alcohol:13.5%
Tessari’s sweet wine, Tre Colli, is a hedonist’s dream. The color of Black Locust honey- is bright and sunny; it lightly clings to the glass. The nose is fragrant honey, dried fruit, raisins, summer white flowers, and a tiny amount of mom’s heartwarming custard with a sprinkling of Botrytis (not that she serves it that way). Just the right amount of sweetness vs. dryness; very elegant. A nostalgic taste of almonds at the end makes the whole adventure most pleasurable. The Tessari Recioto has a bright and sunny golden-yellow color. The nose has intense aromas of exotic fruit and spicy notes. Harmonious and velvety flavor with a particular note of toasted almond, enveloping and sweet but also fresh and savory. Tre Colli has the right balance of sweetness and elegance that maintains energy and vitality.
What to pair with this delicious wine? “Let them eat cake,” light vanilla cake or even apple pie . . . and wash it down with Tre Colli.