he commune of Gambellara is the center of an extremely ancient winemaking tradition in which white-grape varieties are dominant, as in the neighboring production area of Soave. The most widely cultivated type of vine is Garganega, which is so much at home that it is locally known as Gambellara. It is a vigorous variety, much appreciated by growers because of its abundant and constant output. Its grapes are not only adapted to vinification but also to consumption as a table fruit. It is rarely vinified alone even if the production discipline does not exclude such a practice, and it is usually associated with Trebbiano Toscano and Trebbiano di Soave in amounts that can not exceed 20 per cent.
Despite its glorious history and its indisputable qualities, Gambellara has recently confronted a crisis of loyalty on the part of local growers. Production declined, reaching its nadir in the period between 1982 and 1985. Because of the intensive efforts of the producers' consortium, production has increased in the last few years and the level of quality has been substantially boosted. As a result, fears that this great wine of the Veneto might disappear have eased.
This page was written by Stefano Milioni. Background image and most photos in this section courtesy of Giuliano Bugialli, all right reserved (see Copyright and Credits).
he commune of Gambellara is the center of an extremely ancient winemaking tradition in which white-grape varieties are dominant, as in the neighboring production area of Soave. The most widely cultivated type of vine is Garganega, which is so much at home that it is locally known as Gambellara. It is a vigorous variety, much appreciated by growers because of its abundant and constant output. Its grapes are not only adapted to vinification but also to consumption as a table fruit. It is rarely vinified alone even if the production discipline does not exclude such a practice, and it is usually associated with Trebbiano Toscano and Trebbiano di Soave in amounts that can not exceed 20 per cent.