A Mountain of Prestige at Col Vetoraz

Magazine

A Mountain of Prestige at Col Vetoraz

28 March 2019

In Veneto, the best bubbles come from deep within the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Valley. Amongst the steep peaks and rugged terrain stands the Monte di Cartizze, where the most prestigious Prosecco comes to life. Col Vetoraz is one of 140 exclusive producers to own vineyards in this esteemed area.


Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superior DOCG is an all-around great choice thanks to elegant bubbles. The best expression of Valdobbiadene DOCG comes from the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Valley, and then the very best comes from deep in the heart of these hills, growing in steep terraces on Cartizze. Let’s break down what makes this Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG so special.

The Territory  

a panorama of the vineyards on the hills of Valdobbiadene Valdobbiadene, Col Vetoraz, Veneto.

The Monte di Cartizze (Cartizze Hill) is the tallest peak in the valley, standing a grand 305m (1001 ft) above sea level. The vineyards are all planted along the steep curve of the hill with entirely south-facing exposure. Unlike other hills in the valley, the grapes on Cartizze never grow in the shade of vines above them resulting in the sweetest grapes in the valley. This exposure also allows for great ventilation. There is always a breeze bristling through the leaves of the vines, staving off mildew and other issues that arise in humid areas. And of course, there is the terroir. The soil, which is mainly moraine, sandstone, and clay, is the best environment for the Glera grapes and give delicate notes of wildflowers, white peach and fresh bread. Which is why there are only 106 hectares out of the 5000 total in Conegliano-Valdobbiadene that can claim the label of Cartizze. 

The Method

Cartizze Superiore, Col Vetoraz, Veneto.

Prosecco Superior DOCG is made using the Charmat method. This method, which was invented in Italy in the 1890s has long been considered “less than;” however, it’s the best method to preserve the fresh floral and fruit notes that are characteristic of high-quality Prosecco. Simply put, Prosecco would lose its charm if it was refermented in bottle for an extended period of time.

The Winery

col vetoraz Col Vetoraz, Veneto.

Col Vetoraz is located on the hill for which they are named after Col Vetoraz. It stands shoulder to shoulder with Cartizze in Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene. Essentially, the winery is on premium Prosecco growing land. It has also been there for almost two centuries. In 1838, Francesco Miotto’s, one of the winery’s three founders, family settled on Col Vetoraz and started planting vines. In 1993, Francesco, along with Loris Dall’Acqua and Paolo De Bortoli, transformed the family land into a leading producer of high-quality Valdobbiadene - Prosecco Superiore. They make only Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG and Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze, the most exclusive and sought-after labels in the entire Prosecco appellation. The focus is on quality over quantity following philosophy to neither add nor subtracts anything while making wine. The result is a reputation for superior quality Prosecco, attentive care in the vineyards and the continuation of a wine history that has defined these hills for at least 1000 years.
Experience the outstanding beauty and surreal flavour of Cartizze and the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Valley with a custom Grand Wine Tour.