Carolina Gatti Bolle Corsare Prosecco NV

Carolina Gatti is a renowned natural wine producer in the Treviso area of Veneto, Italy. Her family-owned estate covers about 5 hectares and has been operational since the late 1800s. The vineyard primarily grows Prosecco and Raboso grapes, utilizing an ancient trellising system known as "busser," which requires rigorous manual labor and results in low yields of exceptional-quality grapes.

Carolina, an oenologist who graduated in 2012, combines her formal education with traditional winemaking techniques. She passionately advocates for natural wine production, rejecting chemical fertilizers in favor of natural manure from her farm's livestock and using minimal copper and sulfur treatments. She employs spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in the cellar and avoids additives, fining, or filtration processes.

One of her most iconic wines is the Prosecco "Bolle Corsare," also known as "Pirate Bubbles." This wine is wild-fermented in cement tanks and embodies Carolina's commitment to authentic and independent winemaking. Despite not being recognized by the official Prosecco commission, "Bolle Corsare" stands out for its unique, vibrant character and has gained a loyal following among natural wine enthusiasts.

Carolina's approach is deeply rooted in respect for tradition, nature, and the unique terroir of her region. Her wines, including other notable varieties like "El Gat Ros" and "Canaja," reflect her dedication to producing high-quality, expressive wines that honor the legacy of her family's estate and the rich viticultural heritage of Veneto.

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.