For us tradition is a choice, the result of research, assessment, courage and respect for nature.
A Storied Foundation
In the storied landscapes of northern Italy’s Veneto region lies a name that has long epitomized the grandeur of Italian winemaking: Bertani. Established in 1857, Bertani is more than a winery—it is a monument to excellence, an institution that has helped define and elevate the traditions of Valpolicella. With a history that spans more than a century and a half, Bertani remains one of the most prestigious and influential producers of Italian wine, known globally for its signature elegance, fidelity to terroir, and profound respect for tradition intertwined with innovation.
From Burgundy to Verona: A Vision Begins
The origins of Bertani are as distinguished as its wines. The estate was founded by brothers Giovan Battista and Gaetano Bertani, visionaries whose insight and commitment brought new vitality to the vineyards of Verona. Gaetano’s tutelage under Dr. Jules Guyot in France, one of the foremost figures in 19th-century viticulture, infused Bertani’s foundations with a rare blend of Italian passion and Burgundian precision. This continental influence, married to the unique microclimates and soils of the Valpolicella hills, forged a revolutionary model for winemaking in the region—one that continues to inspire generations of vintners.
Terroir and Heritage Across the Veneto
The estate itself spans over 200 hectares in Valpolicella and beyond. At its heart lies the historic Tenuta Novare, a majestic 19th-century estate nestled in the Valpolicella Classica area, where the soul of Bertani’s Amarone is born. Rich in marl and calcareous soils, Tenuta Novare provides the ideal setting for cultivating Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara—the native red varietals that are the lifeblood of this legendary wine. Meanwhile, vineyards in Valpantena, Soave, and on the shimmering banks of Lake Garda speak to the estate's remarkable diversity and its unwavering pursuit of quality in both red and white wines.
The Art of Amarone
Yet it is Amarone, that noble and singular expression of Valpolicella, which perhaps best encapsulates Bertani’s legacy. The house is credited as one of the original architects of the modern Amarone style, having bottled its very first vintage in 1958. At a time when the world was only slowly discovering the riches of Italian wine traditions, Bertani’s Amarone stood apart with its exquisitely layered structure, its austere yet opulent character, and its remarkable longevity.
The process behind it remains a testament to patience and craftsmanship: hand-harvested grapes undergo a natural drying period without artificial ventilation, after which fermentation is conducted over more than fifty days in traditional concrete vats. Aging continues for six years in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by further refinement in bottle. The result is a wine of regal sophistication, capable of aging gracefully for decades—just as the estate itself has done.
A Portfolio of Distinction
But to speak of Bertani solely in terms of its revered Amarone would be to overlook the breadth of its vision. The portfolio is as nuanced as the vineyards from which it hails. From the vibrancy of its Soave Classico, made from carefully selected Garganega and born of the volcanic soils in the east, to the richly textured elegance of its Ripasso and the crisp, mineral finesse of its Lugana, every wine in Bertani’s collection bears the unmistakable signatures of place, purity, and precision.
Tradition Refined through Innovation
What sets Bertani apart is this seamless marriage of tradition and innovation. Though it is deeply steeped in history, the estate is not imprisoned by it. Under the guidance of winemaker Cristian Ridolfi, Bertani continues to explore the subtle chord between modern oenological strategies and ancient techniques. Sustainability in the vineyard, low-intervention practices in the cellar, and an emphasis on single-vineyard expression are guiding principles that shape their current work—all executed with the quiet confidence that comes from mastery.
A Royal Reputation
The producer’s reputation is not only rooted in its own vineyards, but also in its cultural contributions. Bertani was the first Veronese producer to bottle and export its own wines at a time when bulk production reigned supreme. Its wines graced royal banquets, including the coronation of King George VI in 1937, and in 1923, the estate was awarded the prestigious royal warrant by the Italian monarchy—a rare honor that solidified its place among Italy’s vinous aristocracy.
A Cellar of Time
Perhaps one of the estate’s most remarkable resources is its private wine library, a historical archive of perfectly cellared Amarone vintages dating back over sixty years. Housed within the stately walls of its Grezzana headquarters, this collection serves not only as evidence of the wine’s extraordinary aging potential, but also as a living chronicle of Bertani’s meticulous approach and intellectual curiosity across decades.
The Height of Italian Elegance
Bertani is not merely a producer but a custodian of Italian viticulture, preserving the integrity of a region while continually refining and elevating its expression. In a world where fashion often overtakes form, where novelty can overshadow quality, Bertani stands as a timeless standard-bearer. Each bottle is an invitation to experience a refined narrative of land, lineage, and craftsmanship—a rare privilege for those who seek the pinnacle of Italian wine.
