Variety: Garganega and Trebbiano

There are many regions in Italy that show the detrimental hand of western trends. Amarone is, and should be, one of the great wines of Italy. However, finding one that still tastes genuinely Italian can be tricky. Ca’La Bionda is located in the historic “classic” zone of the Valpolicella region. Founded in 1902, the family’s focus has always been on the grapes and the vineyard work. They presently cultivate 25 hectares. Alessandro Castellani is the current, fourth-generation winemaker. His wines are held in six-foot-tall oak casks until ready to drink. Certain wines are aged longer than others. But at every step of the way, attention is given to tradition, as opposed to modern, quick winemaking. Alessandro’s wines rarely receive much mainstream press, which is fine by him.

Coming from just outside the Soave Classico appellation, this Bianco gets a similar treatment to the Soave style. The grapes come from the Ravazzol vineyard, boasting vines more than 70 years old with superb climate and soil type, making for an invigorating white wine.