Casa Defra, Lessini Durello, Italy

Producer Profile

Cielo e Terra is a joint venture between two families, Cielo, who have been making wine for over a century in Veneto, Puglia and the Cantina Sociale Colli Berici.

Drawing on the Colli Berici's vineyard resources, combined with the Cielo family's winemaking skills, their partnership consistently produces wines which are fantastic value for money from both indigenous and international varietals.

Viticulture

The vines are on the hills of Lessinia, located between the provinces of Vicenza and Verona. The soil is of volcanic origin, with tuff and basalt, rich in iron, magnesium and other microelements. During vintage, the agronomist in charge verifies the extent of maturation of the grapes and establishes vintage timing accordingly. Upon arrival at the winery, grapes are selected by type, area of origin and sugar content, as these indications are fundamental to determine the wine quality potential. Each bunch is trimmed to increase concentration, grapes are hand picked.

Winemaking

Hand picking of grapes, soft pressing and fermentation without maceration at controlled temperature below 20° C and with selected yeasts. Storage in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures always below 20°C , trying to protect the wine with nitrogen to avoid the oxidative effect of the air. The bottling is carried out using an isobaric filler, to preserve the carbon dioxide obtained thanks to the foaming process.