Producer
The Allegrini family estate covers 120 hectares of vineyard in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area. The family has been growing grapes here for six generations, but the estate in its current form was founded by Giovanni Allegrini. When he passed away in 1983, it passed to his three children, who ran it together until Walter’s death in July 2003. Franco now looks after the vineyards and is the winemaker, and Marilisa is director of marketing.
Vineyards
The grapes for this wine come from vineyards in the municipality of Pozzolengo, to the south of the Lugana denomination. From the slopes of this medieval village, the Guyot-trained vineyards stretch out as far as the small lake “Mantellina” that lends its name to the wine and to a protected unspoilt area populated by rare animal species (the “Oasis”). Here the clays become sandier and contain considerable gravely elements. These unique clays leave an unmistakable imprint on the Turbiana grapes enhancing the refreshing acidity of this grape variety.
Vinification
The grapes for this wine were harvested by hand in September. Once at the winery, the grapes were destemmed and then softly pressed. The must was fermented in stainless steel vats. The wine was then aged in stainless steel vats for four months and for two months in bottle before release.