The Bertani family is at the base of the creation of the Amarone appellation, and its Appassimento process (drying/passerillage on grape racks for 60 to 90 days). From generation to generation, it has been at the very forefront of this world-famous appellation. The growing field, brands and some stocks were partially sold to a pharmaceutical company at the same time as the Bertani name. The Bertani family still owns the vineyards, gathered in one place, on 20 hectares surrounded by a wall of 3 meters (what a closed!) – the Tenuta Santa Maria.

In organic conversion, use biodynamic preparations. Wines taking advantage of the renewal and vision of Giovanni Bertani, at the head of the estate and who intends to restore its glory.

Centuries old, Tenuta Santa Maria all Pieve is located in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica. The 100-acre producer is comprised of two estates, one in the Valpolicella Classico zone and the second in the Illasi Valley. Tenuta Santa Maria all Pieve was established by Gaetano Bertani in 1850 and today it is owned and operated by his descendants, Gaetano Bertani and his sons Giovanni and Guglielmo. Since its sixteenth-century origins this elegant estate has been known for the production of fine wines, especially for its for Amarone Classico and Valpolicella Ripasso. It has a stunning chateau and walled vineyards. Since the 1800's the estate has been making wines using the Guyot Method, a technique with an emphasis on high density, and low yield harvests.

Amarone Della Valpolicella is an intensely flavored dry red wine made from dried (passito) grapes. It was awarded its prestigious DOCG appellation status in 2009. It is made in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy and is one of the region's most prestigious red wines. Though Amarone wines from the Classico zone, in particular, are often described as the pinnacle, there are many top producers operating outside the Classico zone, with Romano dal Forno probably the best known.

Though lush, high alcohol content red wines have been made in the Veneto since the ancient Greeks settled there, the popularity of Amarone over the last few decades has resulted in international demand for the wine. Amarone is typically made from 45% to 95% Corvina, blended with Rondinella and other indigenous grapes. The blend is essentially the same as for Valpolicella, but Amarone is made from dried grapes, which gives it a rich, viscous quality and an alcohol content between 14% and 20%. Though Amarone is a dry wine, there is a sweet version called Recioto Della Valpolicella. The recioto style wines are included in the DOCG, and the word “ripasso” on the label usually indicates the sweeter style.

“Sweet violets and roses give way to black cherries, balsamic spices and white smoke as the incredibly pretty 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva blossoms in the glass. This is an undeniably elegant and refined style, casting a polished display of licorice-tinged blackberries and savory herbs across a core of brisk acidity. The resulting expression is quite savory, tapering off long with building tannic tension that grows with each sip. Rich notes of mocha contrast fresh mint and salty minerals, as this finishes impossibly long with an umami feel. The 2015 gets an official “wow” in my book.” 2024 – 2038
96 Points, Eric Guido, Vinous, Feb 2021

97/100 - Decanter World Wine Awards (2013 vintage)
Gold - Mundus Vini (2013 vintage)
Best in Show - London Wine Show (2013 vintage)
Gold - London Wine Show (2013 vintage)
94/100 James Suckling (2013 vintage)
94/100 Gilbert & Galliard (2013 vintage)
90/100 '5 Star Wines' - Vinitaly