Nestled in the rolling hills of Soave, Azienda Agricola Tamellini is more than just a winery—it’s a testament to generations of dedication to the art of viticulture. The moment I arrived, the golden hues of the stone walls greeted me, shimmering under the Italian sun. It felt like stepping into a world where tradition and nature blend seamlessly.
The Tamellini family has been crafting wines from the Garganega grape for decades, with a focus on respecting the land and allowing the terroir to speak through their wines. As I viewed some of their vineyards, stretching for miles under a clear blue sky, I couldn't help but appreciate the serene beauty of the region. The vineyards, neatly lined with vines just beginning to wake from their winter slumber, showcased the promise of another exceptional vintage.
During my visit, I held in my hand a piece of dark volcanic soil—rich, mineral-packed, and integral to the unique flavors of Soave wine. The soil, known as basalt, is what gives the wines their characteristic minerality and complexity. As a sommelier and wine educator, holding this rock connected me directly to the wines I had tasted over the years from this region. It became clear how much the land itself contributes to the magic inside each bottle.
We ventured down into the cellar, a vast and cool space where the wines quietly age. Arched ceilings, old stone walls, and the soft hum of fermenting wine surrounded us. This was the heart of the operation—where nature’s raw materials are transformed into the elegant and balanced wines that Tamellini is known for. The barrels and stainless steel vats were a testament to their commitment to both tradition and innovation.
What truly set this experience apart was the family’s hands-on approach. I had the chance to meet the Tamellini family, who passionately shared stories of their father and grandfather’s work in the vineyards. Each bottle they produce carries not only the flavors of Soave but also the heritage of the family behind it.
While I didn’t taste their wines on this visit, I had already experienced the elegance of Tamellini’s Soave DOC at Vinitaly in Verona earlier that week. The tasting was memorable—delicate aromas of white flowers, peach, and almond filled the glass. On the palate, the wines were refreshing yet structured, with a lingering minerality that mirrored the volcanic soil I had held during my visit. Each sip at Vinitaly deepened my appreciation for the land and craftsmanship that I later witnessed firsthand.
Just before I left, the Tamellinis surprised me with a thoughtful gift—a bottle of olive oil pressed from their own groves. It was a fitting reminder that their connection to the land goes beyond just wine, extending to everything they grow and produce. The olive oil, much like their wines, was an expression of the same care and craftsmanship that I had witnessed throughout the day. For the remainder of my trip, I made sure to take a healthy shot of this olive oil every morning.
In the end, my visit to Azienda Agricola Tamellini was a reminder of why I fell in love with wine in the first place. It’s not just about the drink—it’s about the story, the people, and the place. Azienda Agricola Tamellini, with its deep-rooted traditions and respect for the land, is a shining example of what makes Italian wine so special. And as I left the vineyard, I knew that every bottle of their wine I opened in the future would carry me back to that sunny day in Soave, and now, with of their olive oil, I could taste their land in even more ways.
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