# Gargantua Garganega (2023)

- **Producer:** Cantina Martinelli
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Garganega
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, lemon, grass

## About this wine

Cantina Martinelli is an artisanal winery located in Fittà, in the heart of the Soave Classico zone in Veneto. Led by Francesco Martinelli alongside his family and agronomist partner, the estate farms a tiny 1.2-hectare old-vine vineyard on dark basaltic volcanic soils. The wine is named 'Il Gigante Gargantua' after the famous Renaissance character created by François Rabelais, representing a joyful embrace of nature and authentic winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- Named after François Rabelais' famous Renaissance giant, celebrating unpretentious enjoyment of nature.
- Crafted from 70-year-old vines planted on dark volcanic basalt soils at 300 meters altitude.
- One of four distinct Garganega cuvées produced by the estate, each harvested at a different stage of ripeness.
- Extremely limited production of only 4,500 to 6,000 bottles annually.

## Food pairing

The razor-sharp natural acidity and intense saline mineral core from the volcanic soil cut effortlessly through fat and cream, while highlighting fresh seafood and vegetable dishes.

## Wine making process

Made from 100% Garganega harvested during the third pick from 70-year-old vines trained in traditional Pergola Veronese. Spontaneous fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, with 10% of the grapes undergoing two days of skin contact before being combined with 90% direct-pressed juice. Aged in stainless steel tanks for 9 to 12 months, the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur added.