Quarticello, a family-owned farm established in 2001, is situated in Montecchio Emilia near the Enza River in the Emilian-Tuscany Apennines of Central Italy. The winery, led by Roberto Maestri, operates on 8 hectares of land, deeply rooted in the region's winemaking tradition. The Maestri family initially engaged in winemaking as a hobby, but Roberto's passion for the craft transformed it into a professional pursuit.

Roberto, who studied viticulture and enology, is dedicated to creating wines that genuinely reflect the character of their terroir. Quarticello specializes in native Emilia-Romagna grape varieties, including several strains of Lambrusco, Malbo Gentile, Malvasia di Candia, and Ancellotta. The winery is committed to organic farming practices, avoiding chemical interventions and using only organic fertilizers on their gravelly sand-clay soils.

Quarticello's winemaking approach emphasizes natural processes with a focus on low intervention. This includes minimal sulfite use, indigenous yeasts for fermentation, and avoiding filtration to maintain the wine's authentic characteristics. Fermentation often occurs in the bottle, allowing the inherent qualities of the grapes to shine through.

The winery is known for its sparkling wines, crafted using traditional methods. These wines are often simple yet delicious, perfect for pairing with local cuisine, particularly meats and cheeses. Roberto's wines are appreciated for their refreshing qualities and are frequently chosen to start a meal.

Quarticello stands out for its commitment to authentic winemaking, capturing the essence of its local grapes and showcasing the unique qualities of the Emilia-Romagna region.

History

Emilia-Romagna, a pivotal region in Italy, possesses a distinguished history in viticulture. Its vinicultural legacy dates back to ancient times, with both the Etruscans and Romans recognizing the inherent value of the region's fertile terrains.

Subsequently, they initiated the cultivation of vineyards, thereby establishing the foundational pillars of the region's wine legacy. Over time, Emilia-Romagna welcomed various traders and settlers, and their collective contributions further shaped its wine traditions.

Terroir

Geographically, Emilia-Romagna spans from the expansive plains of the Po River to the rugged terrains of the Apennine Mountains. The region's climatic conditions, moderated by the Adriatic Sea, provide an optimal environment for viticulture. Its terroir, characterized by a composite soil structure of clay, silt, and sand, accentuates the uniqueness of its vineyards.

This particular soil composition ensures that grapes cultivated here encapsulate the region's intrinsic qualities, resulting in wines that reflect the true essence of Emilia-Romagna.

Wines

Emilia-Romagna is a repository of diverse wines, with Lambrusco often being the most recognized. However, its offerings extend beyond this effervescent variety. The region's Sangiovese reds are emblematic of its profound wine-producing expertise, while the Trebbiano whites exhibit a distinct lightness and elegance.

With an increasing emphasis on organic and natural wine production, Emilia-Romagna is poised to be at the forefront of contemporary vinicultural innovations, underscoring the belief that wine is not merely a beverage but a narrative of its origins.