The History of Winery:
Since 4 Generations
The De Stefani family originates in Refrontolo, a little hilly village in Veneto Italy, as results in official documents of 1624.In the second half of 1800 Valeriano De Stefani, the founder, individualized the best soil where to produce wines with rare personality in the Colvendrame estate in Refrontolo, on the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, north of Venice, a UNESCO Wold Heritage site.His son Valeriano, second generation, inspired by his careful wife Angelina, began the tradition which the De Stefanis have always adhered: total devotion to quality with no compromise.Tiziano, third generation, went till the Piave Valley identifying in the Pra' Longo estate in Monastier di Treviso and in the Le Ronche estate in Fossalta di Piave, both north-east of Venice and located near the Adriatic sea and the Dolomites Alps mountains, a particularly suitable soil made of “caranto”: a mix of white clay and minerals from the Dolomites mountains. Respecting the ancient tradition of the family, he brought important innovations in vineyard management and the vinification.
Today Alessandro De Stefani, fourth generation, produces wines under a very natural philosophy, from old and with very high density vineyards. Turning native varieties into better account, he developed a world distribution network, with an annual production limited to 400.000 bottles from 150 acres of vineyard and with wines recommended in the most important Guides.
10 Reasons to try De Stefani Wine
1) Four generations, one family! For four generation the De Stefani family has had the passion for grape vine growing and the art for producing wines with a rare personality.
2) Magic microclimate! Our vineyards are located in Italy, in the Eastern Veneto: in the Piave Valley, between the Adriatic sea (Mediterranean Sea) and the Dolomites mountains (Alps) and in the hills of Conegliano – Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO Wold Heritage site.
3) A unique soil: the Caranto! Our grapes grow in the “Caranto” soil, considered by the grapes scientists one of the best for viticulture. It is a special combination of clay, silt and minerals of the Dolomite’s rocks.
4) 8.400 vine per hectare, 30 years old! We have over 30 year old vineyards with 8.400 vines per hectare trained with the guyot system. This means an extremely low yield of grapes per plant, between 350 to 950 grams, with a great concentration and richness.
5) Native grapes and single vineyards! We produce original wines obtained mainly from native local varieties: Marzemino, Raboso, Refosco, Glera and Tocai. Many of the labels we bottle come from single vineyards, enphazising the feature of that small area.
6) Special vinification tecniques! To give more character to our wines we use special vinification techniques, such as our exclusive “Method Zero”, the “appassimento” process (drying of the grapes) and others.
7) Natural philosophy! We work under organic and biodynamic principles. Vinification is carried out without any added sulfites. We produce 100% of the energy we need in the winery, with our 418 solar panels. We use to ferment the must with our own indigenous yeasts!
8) We bottle only deserving vintages, with a limited quantity! To completely guarantee the quality we offer, we bottle only the vintages that meet our quality expectations. The quantity is limited to the little production of each wine, making it a craftsmanship work.
9) We are in all the most important wine guides! Our wines are cited and recommended in all the most important international wine guides: Wine Spectator, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, James Suckling, Gambero Rosso, Slow Food, Italian Sommelier Association, Veronelli, Espresso, Luca Maroni and Touring Club.
10) The best collaborators in more than 40 countries in the world! Our wines are imported and distributed by the best wine merchants that operate in the most qualified restaurants, hotels and wine shops in more than 40 countries in the world, in the 5 continents.
Rive di Refrontolo Valdobbiadene ProseccoSuperiore represents the essence of the Prosecco in a refined and elegantversion. Fragrance, freshness and finesse marries in a very pure expression. Itconveys a dry and natural mouthful, showing its maximum integral identity.
Colvendrame estate, which is on the hillsof Refrontolo, between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO Wold Heritagesite, in the heart of the "Denominazione di Origine Controllata eGarantita" (DOCG) area for Prosecco. Colvendrame is the name of the hillarea where this vineyard is located. It has an excellent exposition to the sunand the climate is ideal for vine growing. The term “Rive" denotes thesteep slopes of a hillside, which are considered the best places for growingthe Glera grapes.
TASTING:
Fine and persistent perlage, light straw yellow colour, with evident greenish hue. Full width bouquet, with notes of white flowers, lily of the valley and green apple. Dry and harmonious on the palate, it is persistent and pleasantly savory.
Falstaff 90 pts
Pale, delicate yellow, green reflections. Slightly sweet on the nose, then notes of white flowers and very ripe pears. Soft and mild on the palate, with pronounced notes of pear and a medium finish.
