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Franciscan Friars to La Cappuccina Azienda Agricola Biologica

© Carolan Nathan

The name of this wine estate is derived from a small 15th century private chapel where the Capucin monks of the Franciscan order are thought to have lived. Although the Tessari family founded the estate over a century ago, it is only since 1985 that they changed over to natural methodology: no fertilizers, no chemicals, no pesticides It was at that time that a bad frost killed part of the vine and after much consideration, the family decided to return to traditional ways. In actuality, natural means had been used up to the 1950’s when so many growers turned to using chemicals which I mentioned in my last article.

The Tessari family, now in its third generation, is dedicated to cultivating the 70 acres of vineyards. Each member, Sisto,Pietro and Elena, along with their father Lorenzo, direct their own level of expertise thus ensuring both quality and image for the many markets the estate serves. Carefully calibrated fermentation methods are used for each of the individual wines produced at La Cappuccina. The estate is located in the heart of the Soave DOC production zone, at Costalunga di Monteforte d’Alpone in the province of Verona.

When I interviewed Sisto Tessari at the recent International Organic Wine Expo, he told me that opinion is changing. For the past 5 to 6 years, organic wines have increased in quality and the public is buying good wines which are cultivated organically. Wines that cause no problem for the environment or the health of the people. There is no concentration of sulphur dioxide, an element that is used for the conservation of wine. When natural ways are used, little sulphur dioxide is needed but with chemical cultivation, a lot is used. For those of you who need further assurance, a very small amount of sulphur is required to stabilize the wine.

All the different phases of the production cycle are carried out according to the rules of biological cultivation, formulated by the Institute of Certification and Control. From the picking of the grapes from the vine to the bottling line, strict organic methodologies are used. Some of their fine wines include Soave, Sauvignon, Madego, Campo Buri, Grappa di Vinaccia- Recioto di Soave and a Grappa di Vinaccia – Cabernet.

For the past 5 years, the Tessari family have been shipping their wines to the USA and the increase in sales is notable. Once again, a triumph for those winemakers who are interested in the quality of life and health.

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