JOURNEY THROUGH COL SAN MARTINO AND SOLIGO THE HISTORIC RIVE WHERE HISTORY MEETS THE FUTURE

av Livets Goda

In the heart of the Valdobbiadene DOCG hills, between the steep Rive di Soligo and the Rive di Col San Martino, where history and tradition blend with passion and innovation, some of Andreola’s historic vineyards meander, footprints of a bygone era and custodians of a precious legacy. A territory that has been devoted to the cultivation of vines for centuries, evidence of bold and passionate winemaking traditions, a unique heritage that unfolds amidst steep slopes and rugged terrain.

Foto di Rive di COL SAN MARTINO 1_ANDREOLA

A symbol of heroic viticulture, the Rive di Col San Martino challenge gravity. Tenaciously clinging to steep terrain (between 300-500 m. above sea level), the Glera vineyards and small percentages of native varieties such as Bianchetta, Perera and Verdiso are a priceless treasure; these are centuries-old vineyards and extremely steep slopes, almost at the limits of vine cultivation, where the grapes ripen slowly, acquiring a distinctive aromatic complexity. A true monument to craftsmanship, to hard work and dedication that daily transforms the land into shapes and rhythms, for wines that express strength, elegance, and a distinctive character.

All vineyard work is carried out manually and is necessary due to the characteristics of the hillsides that, during the grape harvest and in the most extreme cases, require the use of a system of pulleys, a unique means of transporting the grapes while respecting local customs and the environment. 26° I° Rive di Col San Martino Valdobbiadene DOCG – Extra Brut – 0gr/Lt is the Martinotti Method that tells the story of the terroir in the glass, whose grapes are selected within the original estate of about four hectares, right in the heart of the denomination and, in particular, of the Rive di Col San Martino.

The landscape becomes ever so slightly gentler along the route that leads to the Rive di Soligo: in a succession of parallel hills, the variety of microclimates and soils gives the grapes distinctive varietal characteristics. A mosaic of aromas and flavours, of earthiness and aromatic complexity dictated by the temperate climate, constant ventilation and a good temperature range, all lead to a profound sensory experience, thanks to which one gains a full understanding of the land and the art of knowing how to combine modern technologies, winemaking knowledge and innovation.

Mas de Fer Valdobbiadene DOCG Rive di Soligo Extra Dry, Martinotti Method 100% Glera is the pure expression of the estate’s vineyard (six hectares) located in the southernmost portion of the hillside ridge system between Vidor and Vittorio Veneto, characterised by the presence of limestone rocks. Marked by finesse, elegance, and a delicate lightness, hallmarks of the wine, highlighted by the Extra Dry version.

To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Valdobbiadene, recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Sentinels nature trail, which connects the two towns of Col San Martino and Soligo, is an absolute must-do itinerary offering incomparable scenery. Along the way, the historic vineyards of Andreola can be admired from a privileged perspective, breathing in the pure air and listening to the sounds of nature.

The Sentinels trail is a leap back into history, when the hills were the scenes of battles and sightings. There are many places of historical and military interest along the trail, a step back in time to appreciate even more the effort and passion of those who have cultivated and protected these places for generations.
The Vedette trail stretches along for about 11 km each way with several branches. Along its route, the ancient church of Collagù, with its frescoes and breathtaking views, is a must; the most beautiful stretch is the one that goes by the little church of San Vigilio and continues on through the terraced vineyards.

The Andreola Farm
Located in the heart of Valdobbiadene DOCG, with its 110 hectares of vineyards, 900 thousand bottles sold in over 35 countries, and now 40 years old, the Andreola farm has become a symbol of the heroic viticulture of Valdobbiadene DOCG, always producing wines that are literally “handmade”, confirming the constant commitment aimed at qualitative research. The winery stands out for the work in its vineyards carried out exclusively by hand, essential among the steep hills of this region; work which, during the grape harvest, is characterised by the presence of peculiar, unique pulleys for transporting the grapes. Andreola’s production is centred on the Glera grape variety, together with a minority of native varieties present in the old vineyards; it includes several labels, among which the Rive Line that has the largest number of Rive in the Valdobbiadene DOCG catalogue.