Francesco Martinelli wears many hats, surfer, photographer, DJ and father among them, but in the Soave hills he is first a vigneron determined to show what Garganega can be when it is grown for terroir rather than volume.
Backstory
Working vineyards inherited from his grandfather, Francesco founded Cantina Martinelli around 2016 to enhance a small cru ringed by forest in the Caucciolo and Fitta area of Soave. He has set himself against the cooperative-driven mainstream of the region, choosing purity and place over yield.
The Region
Cantina Martinelli sits in the heart of the Soave Classico zone in the Veneto, northern Italy, on the volcanic basaltic soils that give the area's whites their mineral cut. Additional plantings include a Garganega cru and red varieties in the Lake Garda area at Cavaion Veronese.
Vineyards and Farming
Since 2015 the Cantina Martinelli vines have been farmed organically and biodynamically, with no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and deliberately low yields to concentrate the fruit. Grapes are hand-harvested.
Winemaking
Cantina Martinelli winemaking is artisanal, with spontaneous fermentation on indigenous yeasts, only minimal sulfur where necessary, and no fining or filtration. Since 2023 the winery has been fully self-contained, with all wines grown, vinified and bottled at the Soave cellar.
The Wines
The Cantina Martinelli focus is authentic, mineral-driven Garganega, joined by reds from the Garda plantings, all reflecting Francesco's pursuit of clarity and honest expression. We carry the Il Gigante Soave.
