Sauro Maule Pri Orange Garganega 2023

Sauro Maule operates Azienda Agricola Il Cavallino in the Colli Berici hills near Vicenza in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. The estate was originally established by his father, Lino Maule, as a cattle breeding operation. Sauro Maule converted the farm to viticulture in 2010, replanting family-owned vineyards and acquiring additional parcels in the Colli Berici and Gambellara areas.

The estate converted existing pergola-trained vineyards to the guyot training system to increase plant oxygenation and reduce treatment requirements. Maule practices organic viticulture without chemical herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. The vineyards are maintained with natural grass cover, green manure application in winter, and limited copper and sulfur treatments when necessary.

Sauro Maule trained under Angiolino Maule of La Biancara, founder of VinNatur, from 2011 through the 2016 harvest. He produced his first wines in 2011, vinifying at Angiolino Maule's cellar before completing renovation of his own winemaking facility in San Germano in 2017.

The estate cultivates native Veneto varieties including Garganega, Durella, and the rare Tai Rosso, alongside international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. All grapes are hand-harvested in small crates during cooler hours. Vineyards are harvested in multiple passes to separate less mature fruit for entry-level wines from fully mature grapes designated for structured bottlings.

Winemaking follows natural wine protocols with spontaneous fermentation using ambient yeasts, no fining or filtration, and minimal sulfur dioxide additions only when required. Sulfite levels remain below 35 mg/L across all wines.

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)