Novaia Valpolicella Classico DOC 2023

Nestled in one of the most enchanting corners of the High Valpolicella Classica, Novaia stands proudly atop a gentle hill, with a 15th-century manor house overlooking the Marano Valley and the plains stretching toward the historic city of Verona. "Novaia" signifies a new beginning—a new family rooted in the Marano Valley. The Vaona family moved to this estate in the 1700s, transforming the area into a thriving agricultural hub.

By the 1800s, the Vaona family had become one of the most prominent landowners in the region, cultivating grapes, producing wine and olive oil, and harvesting cherries, corn, and silkworms. Under Paolo Vaona's visionary leadership in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Novaia achieved notable success, becoming one of the first estates in the region to bottle and sell wine beyond the local market. His efforts earned acclaim in national wine competitions, solidifying Novaia's reputation.
In the 1930s, Paolo's sons Renato and Bruno joined the business. Bruno's untimely death saw the estate passed to his children, Cesare and Giampaolo, who ushered in a new era of innovation, blending tradition with advancements in viticulture and winemaking.

In 2005, Cristina and Marcello, representing the fourth generation of the Vaona family, joined the estate. Together, they spearheaded Novaia's conversion to organic farming, reflecting a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability. Today, Cesare and Giampaolo, alongside Cristina and Marcello, continue to honor their family's rich history while embracing innovation, crafting exceptional wines that embody the spirit of Valpolicella and the legacy of Novaia.

Located in north-eastern Italy, Veneto boasts a deep-rooted history that extends from its early days under the Roman Empire, transitioning through the influential Republic of Venice, and later becoming part of the Austrian Empire until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. This historical legacy positions Veneto as a significant region in Italy's cultural and viticultural narratives.

Geographically smaller than some of Italy's renowned wine-producing regions like Piedmont and Tuscany, Veneto is, nonetheless, the country's top wine producer. Its terroir is varied, with distinct geographical zones each offering unique climatic and soil conditions. To the northwest, the alpine foothills border Lake Garda, while the eastern region hosts Valpolicella, renowned for its red wines. Further east lies Soave, Gambellara, and the Colli Euganei region near Padua, known for distinct white varietals. The region spans 90,000 hectares, with 35,400 hectares designated as DOC. Notably, the last two decades have seen an increasing interest in organic and natural wine practices in Veneto.

In Veneto, the spectrum of wines is broad, with a focus on both red and white varietals. Red wines prominently feature grapes such as Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, essential for producing the celebrated Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto wines. On the white wine front, Garganega is the foundation of Soave, exhibiting characteristics of citrus and almond, while Glera, previously known as Prosecco, forms the base for the eponymous sparkling wine. Pinot Grigio and Trebbiano di Soave further diversify the white wine portfolio. The synergy between Veneto's wines and its regional cuisine, ranging from seafood delicacies of the Adriatic to traditional dishes like bigoli pasta, underscores the region's rich gastronomic heritage.