Mae Son Orange 2022

Matteo Furlani, a fourth-generation winemaker, is the dedicated custodian of his family's vineyards above the alpine city of Trento in the Dolomites at over 700 meters. His approach to winemaking, honed not through formal study but through the knowledge passed down from his father and grandfather, emphasizes a deep connection to the land and a commitment to natural methods.

Matteo's vineyards, characterized by soils of surface clay over schist and broken granite (known locally as sasso dolomitico), are spread across several small parcels near the village of Povo, just above Trento. He employs the traditional 'Pergola Trentina' training system for the vines, ensuring optimal ventilation, drying, and sun exposure. While local grape varieties are his primary focus, Matteo cultivates a small amount of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which he uses in his "Metodo Interrotto" sparkling wines.

Matteo's winemaking process is distinctly natural and minimalistic. Fermentation occurs in cement tanks or small glass demijohns without temperature control, using only native yeasts, and without adding sulfur. A unique aspect of his process involves clarifying the wines by racking them into demijohns and placing them outside in the snow during winter. This natural settling process in the cold gives the wines' clarity and purity. The "Metodo Interrotto," or Interrupted Method, refers to his unique take on the traditional Champagne method, involving bottle re-fermentation but with an unfinished twist.

Matteo Furlani's approach is not just a winemaking style but a reflection of his respect for the environment and commitment to authentic, natural winemaking. His wines, a result of this careful and thoughtful process, are a true expression of the unique terroir of the Dolomites.

Trentino-Alto Adige is the northernmost wine region in Italy, bordering Austria. This region is divided into two distinct areas: Trentino in the south and Alto Adige (also known as Südtirol) in the north. Trentino is predominantly Italian-speaking, while Alto Adige has a primarily German-speaking population, reflecting its historical ties to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The region covers approximately 15,800 hectares of vineyards and produces around 1.3 million hectoliters of wine annually, with over 70% being white wine. The primary grape varieties in Trentino-Alto Adige are Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Schiava. The area is known for its diverse wine styles, including white, red, sparkling, and fortified wines.

Trentino, the southern part of the region, is renowned for producing crisp, mineral-driven white wines such as Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. It is also famous for red wines like Teroldego and Marzemino. The region is home to several DOCs, including Trentino DOC, Trentino Superiore DOC, and Trentino Riserva DOC. These appellations are known for their strict production standards and high-quality wines.

Alto Adige, or Südtirol, produces some of Italy's finest white wines, including Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer, and Moscato Rosa. The region's red wines, such as Lagrein and Pinot Nero, are also highly regarded. The region's DOCs, such as Alto Adige DOC and Alto Adige Valle Isarco DOC, reflect its commitment to quality and diversity in winemaking. The Terlano DOC is particularly noted for its excellent white wines, including Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The climate in Trentino-Alto Adige is characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with significant diurnal temperature variations. This climate, combined with the region's varied topography and soil types, contributes to the complexity and uniqueness of its wines. The valley floors heat up quickly in the summer, sending warm air into the vineyard-lined slopes, resulting in ripe and flavorful grapes.

Overall, Trentino-Alto Adige offers a rich tapestry of wine styles and grape varieties, making it a fascinating region for wine lovers to explore. The combination of Italian and Germanic influences, along with the region's alpine terroir, creates wines that are both distinctive and highly prized.