About Menti Giovanni
Menti is a small family winery based in Gambellara, in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. The estate is run by Giovanni Menti and focuses on native Garganega grapes grown on volcanic basalt soils. The winery is known for its natural, low-intervention wines, including still and sparkling expressions of Gambellara DOC.
Prices are for take away and shipping. The wine bar serves from its own list.
The winery
About Menti Giovanni
History
The Menti family has made wine in Gambellara, in the Vicenza hills, for over a century. Giovanni Menti founded the business at the end of the nineteenth century and gave it a clear direction by focusing on Garganega. Gianni Menti took over management in 1964. His son Stefano came into the business in the early 2000s, and is the current generation, a great grandson of the founder.
The land and the vineyards
The estate farms about 7.5 hectares in the hills of Gambellara, on volcanic basalt soils. The vines are mostly old, with an average age around sixty years. Garganega is the main grape, with Durella planted as well. Stefano began moving the vineyards towards organic farming and biodynamics, and sources date the change between 2004 and 2011.
The wines
The range is white and mostly unfiltered, made with native yeasts. Riva Arsiglia from old vines stays four years on its lees. Paiele is a younger white kept in tank. Monte del Cuca is an orange wine, and Roncaie sui lieviti is a sparkling col fondo. The cellar is on Via Dr. Bruzzo in Gambellara.
Today
Menti works on a small scale, with the same family on the same hills for over a hundred years. It is a good example of how a quiet corner of Veneto can give distinctive white wine.
- Founded
- End of the 19th century
- Vineyards (hectares)
- About 7.5
- Main grapes
- Garganega, Durella
- Winemaker
- Stefano Menti