Farnea Arietta Merlot 2023

Marco Buratti's Azienda Agricola Farnea represents one of Italy's most authentic natural wine projects. Located in the Colli Euganei National Park in Veneto, this small estate spans approximately two hectares of vineyards and three hectares of woodlands. The volcanic soils that attracted eighteenth-century winemakers to this region continue to shape Farnea's distinctive wines today.

Marco began his winemaking journey in 2003 after clearing forest land to plant vines, committing from the start to chemical-free farming. His modest cantina at the edge of his house contains only the essentials: concrete and fiberglass vats, old barrels, and little else. This minimalist approach produces wines celebrated for their immediate drinkability and honest character.

Every aspect of Farnea's production follows natural principles. Marco works his vineyards entirely by hand, avoiding all chemical treatments. In the cellar, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts drives the winemaking process, with no fining, filtering, or added sulfites.

The estate's limited production includes several distinctive wines. Farnea Emma blends Moscato Giallo and Moscato Bianco with extended skin contact, creating an aromatic yet dry orange wine. Farnea Rosso Ombra, a light-bodied red blend packaged in one-liter bottles, embodies the ultimate vin de soif. For Merlot enthusiasts, Farnea Arietta offers an earthy, savory expression of this variety from volcanic terroir.

With production reaching only around 8,000 bottles annually, Farnea's wines remain highly sought after worldwide. Discover more about Marco Buratti's winemaking philosophy and experience wines that capture the essence of Colli Euganei.

Veneto stands as Italy's most prolific wine region, producing more wine than any other Italian territory despite being geographically smaller than regions like Piedmont and Tuscany. Located in northeastern Italy, this diverse region stretches from the Alpine foothills and Lake Garda in the west to Venice and the Adriatic Sea in the east, encompassing a remarkable variety of terroirs and wine styles.

The region's viticultural heritage dates back to pre-Roman times, with archaeological evidence suggesting wine production in Valpolicella during the Bronze Age. Under Roman dominion, viticulture expanded significantly, and later flourished during the Republic of Venice, when extensive maritime trade networks spread Veneto wines throughout Europe.

Veneto is internationally recognized for its iconic wines: sparkling Prosecco from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area, intense Amarone della Valpolicella produced through the unique appassimento grape-drying technique, refreshing white Soave made primarily from Garganega grapes, and light red Bardolino from Lake Garda's shores. Lesser-known gems include Recioto della Valpolicella, Raboso del Piave, and wines from the Colli Euganei hills near Padua.

The region's indigenous grape varieties define its character. Red wines feature Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, while white wines showcase Garganega and Glera. International varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio have also found success in Veneto's varied microclimates.

Recent decades have witnessed a renaissance in Veneto winemaking, with a growing emphasis on organic and natural wine production. Innovative producers are creating wines that authentically express the region's diverse terroir while respecting environmental integrity.

Discover Veneto's natural wine revolution through exceptional producers like Farnea, whose organic wines from volcanic Colli Euganei soils showcase minimal intervention techniques. La Biancara, founded by natural wine pioneer Angiolino Maule, produces remarkable Garganega-based wines from volcanic hills in Gambellara.

Other standout options include Il Ceo's biodynamic wines from the Breganze hills, Le Fraghe's Bardolino from Lake Garda, and Domini del Leone's Veneto Rosso, blending indigenous and international varieties. For sparkling wine enthusiasts, Calalta's Syrah Pét-Nat offers a fresh, organic alternative. Explore the full spectrum of Veneto's natural wine offerings and experience one of Italy's most dynamic wine regions.Conegliano-Valdobbiadene area, intense Amarone della Valpolicella produced through the unique appassimento (grape-drying)