Our Guiding Philosophy

Centuries of experience dedicated to innovation and sustainability

The philosophy which guides us in creating Tenuta Santa Maria wines stems from centuries of experience and research, specific innovations developed by Gaetano Bertani’s family in the vineyard and our continuing commitment to promoting the distinctive traits of our territory, our native varieties and traditional methods. Fine wines of great longevity, elegance and balance are produced through meticulous care of the vineyards, use of sustainable agricultural methods and an eye to detail which accompanies every phase of the winemaking process. Our wines are produced in three of the most characteristic terroirs of the region: Villa Mosconi di Giovanni e Guglielmo Bertani in the Valpolicella Classica; Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve in the Illasi Valley; and the property of Grezzana in Valpantena, thus representing the major Veronese DOC denominations.

Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

for delivery to Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria and France

Our Guiding Philosophy

Centuries of experience dedicated to innovation and sustainability

The philosophy which guides us in creating Tenuta Santa Maria wines stems from centuries of experience and research, specific innovations developed by Gaetano Bertani’s family in the vineyard and our continuing commitment to promoting the distinctive traits of our territory, our native varieties and traditional methods. Fine wines of great longevity, elegance and balance are produced through meticulous care of the vineyards, use of sustainable agricultural methods and an eye to detail which accompanies every phase of the winemaking process. Our wines are produced in three of the most characteristic terroirs of the region: Villa Mosconi di Giovanni e Guglielmo Bertani in the Valpolicella Classica; Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve in the Illasi Valley; and the property of Grezzana in Valpantena, thus representing the major Veronese DOC denominations.

The philosophy which guides us in creating Tenuta Santa Maria wines stems from centuries of experience and research, specific innovations developed by Gaetano Bertani’s family in the vineyard and our continuing commitment to promoting the distinctive traits of our territory, our native varieties and traditional methods. Fine wines of great longevity, elegance and balance are produced through meticulous care of the vineyards, use of sustainable agricultural methods and an eye to detail which accompanies every phase of the winemaking process. Our wines are produced in three of the most characteristic terroirs of the region: Villa Mosconi di Giovanni e Guglielmo Bertani in the Valpolicella Classica; Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve in the Illasi Valley; and the property of Grezzana in Valpantena, thus representing the major Veronese DOC denominations.

Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

for delivery to Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria and France

Brochures with Tech Sheets – PDF
Amarone Classico Riserva della Valpolicella docg - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani
Amarone Classico Riserva della Valpolicella docg - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

AMARONE CLASSICO RISERVA

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita

Our Amarone Classico Riserva is made by using the traditional appassimento method, a natural drying process of Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone grapes which were harvested by hand using a thorough selection process, giving it a unique and immediately recognisable taste. After a long fermentation in stainless steel, our Amarone is aged for 5 years in big oak barrels. The wine has a ruby red color with garnet reflections. Reserved cherry notes, spices, and dried rose petals give complexity and elegance on the nose. It is warm and subtle on the palate, well-structured and with a high alcohol content, balanced by velvety tannins and an elegant acidity and freshness.

Our Amarone Classico Riserva is made by using the traditional appassimento method, a natural drying process of Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone grapes which were harvested by hand using a thorough selection process, giving it a unique and immediately recognisable taste. After a long fermentation in stainless steel, our Amarone is aged for 5 years in big oak barrels.

Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Doc - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani
Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Doc - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

Denominazione di Origine Controllata

This elegant and complex Valpolicella continues the family tradition of the Ripasso method, used since the 1850s. The style is a consistent expression of the indigenous Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone grapes and terroir of the area. The Ripasso method is delicately achieved by conducting a second extended maceration and fermentation over the Amarone grape skins, giving the wine a higher complexity, softer body and intense color. It is then aged for 2 years in big oak barrels. With notes reminiscent of Amarone, the wine is a vivid ruby red color. On the nose, intense hints of cherry, blueberry, liquorice and lingering scents of cinnamon and pepper. On the palate, soft and structured velvet tannins and a very balanced acidity. Long finish with fruity sensations.

This elegant and complex Valpolicella continues the family tradition of the Ripasso method, used since the 1850s. The style is a consistent expression of the indigenous Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone grapes and terroir of the area. The Ripasso method is delicately achieved by conducting a second extended maceration and fermentation over the Amarone grape skins, giving the wine a higher complexity, softer body and intense color. It is then aged for 2 years in big oak barrels.

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Doc - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani
Valpolicella Classico Superiore Doc - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

Valpolicella Classico Superiore

Denominazione di Origine Controllata

Our Valpolicella Classico Superiore represents the full expression of the Veronese wine growing techniques and the family’s enological traditions. It is produced entirely from the native Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella varietals in low-yield vineyards from our historic estate in Arbizzano di Negrar, Verona. The grapes are harvested by hand, and after a long maceration and fermentation, the wine is aged for 14 months in traditional large oak barrels, followed by a short bottle ageing. Vivid ruby red in color, with intense aromas of blueberry, hints of cherry, liquorice and persistent notes of cinnamon and pepper. On the palate, soft and warm structured tannins are balanced with nice acidity, long finish and fruity sensations.

Our Valpolicella Classico Superiore represents the full expression of the Veronese wine growing techniques and the family’s enological traditions. It is produced entirely from the native Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella varietals in low-yield vineyards from our historic estate in Arbizzano di Negrar, Verona. The grapes are harvested by hand, and after a long maceration and fermentation, the wine is aged for 14 months in traditional large oak barrels, followed by a short bottle ageing.

Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani
Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita

This Recioto is made by using Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes, which are hand picked at the beginning of September and laid out to dry on the traditional arelle for a delicate drying from 140 to 150 days. During this time, in addition to the increase in sugar content, an interesting organic evolution takes place which leads to the development of the typical dried grape aromas in addition to those of the fresh grapes. This is followed by a soft pressing and a long maceration and fermentation in stainless steel which is completed in 30 days on average. The aging takes place in French oak barriques which give it an immediatly recognizable character of great complexity and elegance. The wine has a ruby red colour with garnet reflections. The sweet aromas of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry with notes of undergrowth and wet earch. On the palate it manages to combine its full and opulent nature with a pleasant and balanced sweetness. A long finish of delicious floral and spicy notes and a velvety and elegant tannin.

This Recioto is made by using Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes, which are hand picked at the beginning of September and laid out to dry on the traditional ‘arelle’ for a delicate drying from one hundred and forty to one hundred and fifty days. During this time, in addition to the increase in sugar content, an interesting organic evolution takes place which leads to the development of the typical dried grape aromas in addition to those of the fresh grapes. This is followed by a soft pressing and a long maceration and fermentation in stainless steel which is completed in thirty days on average. The aging takes place in French oak barriques which give it an immediately recognizable character of great balance, complexity and elegance.

Pràgal Rosso Verona - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani
Pràgal Rosso Verona - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

Pràgal Rosso Verona

Indicazione Geografia Tipica

A fruity, spiced blend of Corvina, Merlot and Syrah which gives a full expression of our region, with its intriguing easy elegance and full-bodied structure. Deriving from low-yield vines, the wine is vinified with both fresh and partially dried grapes, and after a lengthy maceration and fermentation period, refined in large oak barrels for six months in our historic cellars at Arbizzano di Negrar. Deep ruby color, lightly blended with garnet red and reflections of violet. An engaging bouquet with alternating hints of red fruit preserves, dried rose and black cherry with subtler tones of dark spice, tobacco and black pepper. Enticing, warm and well-rounded, with a substantial acidity and soft, captivating tannins balanced with great structure and persistence.

A fruity, spiced blend of Corvina, Merlot and Syrah which gives a full expression of our region, with its intriguing easy elegance and full-bodied structure. Deriving from low-yield vines, the wine is vinified with both fresh and partially dried grapes, and after a lengthy maceration and fermentation period, refined in large oak barrels for six months in our historic cellars at Arbizzano di Negrar. 

Decima Aurea Merlot Igt Verona - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani
Decima Aurea Merlot Igt Verona - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

Decima Aurea Merlot

Rosso Veronese
Indicazione Geografia Tipica

This pure Merlot receives its unique character from the selection of three clones, cultivated at a low-yield and high-density with 9,100 vines per hectare. The harvest is conducted in September in two separate phases with part of the grapes then being dried for a month. The grapes are macerated at a low temperature and fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged for 14 months in French oak barriques. Intense, ruby red in color. Complex aroma with hints of wild berries and prunes, accompanied by notes of coffee, cocoa powder, eucalyptus and vanilla. Well-structured, soft tannins and a well-balanced acidity and consistency, with a fine liquorice aftertaste.

This pure Merlot receives its unique character from the selection of three clones, cultivated at a low-yield and high-density with 9,100 vines per hectare. The harvest is conducted in September in two separate phases with part of the grapes then being dried for a month. The grapes are macerated at a low temperature and fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged for 14 months in French oak barriques.

Lepiga Soave DOC - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani
Lepiga Soave DOC - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

Lepiga Soave

Denominazione di Origine Controllata

Our Soave is a white wine produced from the Veronese Garganega grape in purity, which comes from low-yield vineyards and is hand-harvested at three different ripeness levels. A careful fermentation in stainless steel tanks is followed by bâtonnage over fine lees. Lepiga renews our centuries-old Soave wine tradition. A pleasant surprise to the palate with both freshness and depth, due to the intriguing and balanced structure. Intense straw-yellow color. On the nose, a complex aroma with hints of exotic and summer fruits, pears, peaches, herbs, almonds, and a generous minerality, with traces of toasted vanilla. A rich and compact taste, sustained by freshness, persistence and with a distinct flavour that intensifies the softness.

Our Soave is a white wine produced from the Veronese Garganega grape in purity, which comes from low-yield vineyards and is hand-harvested at three different ripeness levels. A careful fermentation in stainless steel tanks is followed by bâtonnage over fine lees. Lepiga renews our centuries-old Soave wine tradition.

Torre Pieve Chardonnay - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani
Torre Pieve Chardonnay - Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani

Torre Pieve Chardonnay

Chardonnay Veronese
Indicazione Geografia Tipica

By choosing the best hillsides, employing high-density, low-yield methods and precise winemaking techniques, a Chardonnay of great character is produced, fully expressing the terroir of the Illasi Valley. A varietal Chardonnay with great elegance and complexity, obtained from three different clones. The wine is partly made with fermentation and ageing in French oak barriques. Pale yellow in color, crystal-clear with a tint of green. Intense bouquet, typical of Chardonnay, and an aroma of fresh fruit. Subtle vanilla scents fade into exotic perfumes of pineapple, banana, and citrus and finish with hazel-nuts and melted butter. The wine denotes an excellent and elegant refined structure and is well-balanced between acidity and sapidity

By choosing the best hillsides, employing high-density, low-yield methods and precise winemaking techniques, a Chardonnay of great character is produced, fully expressing the terroir of the Illasi Valley. A varietal Chardonnay with great elegance and complexity, obtained from three different clones. The wine is partly made with fermentation and ageing in French oak barriques.