The Farina family presents the first vintage of “Mezzadro alla Fontana – Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2011”, the ultimate expression of the family's oenological vision and the result of the historical collaboration with local winegrowers.

“Mezzadro alla Fontana” is the pinnacle of a wide-ranging project that aims to bring the long-standing collaboration with the winery's winegrowers in the Valpolicella Classica to the fore-front. The project is characterized by the substantial modernization of the historic Pedemonte winery, where the winemaking is entrusted to the experience and technical expertise of Andrea Zerman. This oenological journey that began twenty years ago has put the company on a virtuous path to creating a range of distinctive, premium wines, introducing new IGT wines, and two grand crus from single vineyards.

It is no coincidence that Claudio and Elena Farina chose Mezzadro alla Fontana to represent a crucial milestone along this journey. The creation of an Amarone Riserva from a blend of the best grapes grown on the hills of the Valpolicella Classica is the realization of the family's dream. From Negrar to Sant'Ambrogio, to San Pietro in Cariano, Farina made a cuvée selection of the most distinctive and intense characteristics within the winegrowers' finest parcels – historical collaborations with the Farina family that have always represented the noblest soils – basalts, gravels, limestones, with optimal exposures.

The bunches, harvested by hand, are dried and vinified separately in stainless steel and then in concrete vats before creating the final blend, which, for the 2011 Riserva, is Raven, Swallow, Molinara, and Croatian. Maturation begins for 24 months in rare French and American barriques, followed by 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels before prolonged refinement in the bottle.

“Mezzadro alla Fontana – Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2011” is a wine that whispers refined and nuanced aromas that reveal themselves with elegant restraint to those who dedicate time to the glass. The intense aromas are reminiscent of a summer pine forest, with dry undergrowth of myrtle, raspberries, and strawberries. A dry palate with a silky pulp offers a tannin softly wrapped in the balms of its fruit” – explains Andrea Zerman – “Everyone can put a personal definition to the nuances found in a glass of wine, but the structure and balance for me make the difference between a good wine and a great wine. The important pivot is acidity: Mezzadro is dense, full-bodied but with remarkable freshness and finesse.”

This majestic Riserva is inspired by the history of those who cultivated the vineyards. The name “Mezzadro” (sharecropper) recalls the Valpolicella's peasant roots, and the particular dynamics of the grape production supply chain are still prevalent today. In Farina, the vision of the relationship between grower and producer stands on a solid and equal footing in a reciprocal dialogue based on trust and transparency.

Elena Farina, co-owner and responsible for administration and hospitality, tells the genesis of the name of the wine: “To communicate our company identity, we needed to draw on our peasant history to give shape to the visceral bond that the Farina family has with the land. Among papers, books, and old photos, we were drawn to the phrase “Mezzadro alla Fontana” – (sharecropper at the fountain). In it, I see the soul of a peasant – and I feel it in our DNA – a value to own, not because we believe we are winemakers, but to define our character and our profound relationship with the Valpolicella Classica.”

Claudio adds, "We are an earnest family where actions speak louder than words – where loyalty and honesty are fundamental values at the basis of any healthy and united community. Our most prestigious wine is a tribute to our community of “vinegrowers” and a nod to the sharecropping past that unites the heritage of most families in Valpolicella. Do not misunderstand. This is not the Amarone of yesteryear. It is the Amarone that best expresses our relationship with the land and our oenological vision.”

“Mezzadro alla Fontana – Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2011” – 3,000 bottles produced. Presented in preview to the most authoritative guides and critics, it has already collected excellent reviews: Decanter Gold 2021 – 96 points, Mundus Vini Summer Tasting Best of Show, Wine Hunter Award 2021 Gold, James Suckling 92 points.