L'Antica Quercia 'Su Alto' Indigeno sui Lieviti Frizzante, Veneto, Italy

High in the hills between Venice and the towering Dolomites, L'Antica Quercia crafts wines that blur the line between tradition and nature. The 2018 L'Antica Quercia 'Su Alto' Indigeno sui Lieviti Frizzante is a striking example of the ancestral sparkling wine traditions of Veneto, produced from Glera grapes and bottled with its native yeasts intact. Unfiltered, bone dry, and alive with energy, this naturally sparkling wine captures both the rugged beauty of its alpine surroundings and the estate's unwavering commitment to working in harmony with the land.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Glera
• ABV: 11%
• Residual Sugar: 0 g/L
• Free Sulphites: 0 mg/L
• Vineyard Location: Western slope of the Quercia estate, Scomigo, Conegliano
• Vine Training: Double-arched cane
• Soil Type: Boulder clay mixture of glacial origin
• Climate: Pre-alpine cool temperate climate with approximately 1,250 mm annual rainfall
• Harvest: Manual harvest in crates
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeast fermentation
• Élevage: Aged on lees through winter, bottled on the fourth new moon of the year following harvest
• Additional Aging: Minimum four months at 2,000 meters elevation near Mount Civetta in the Dolomites
• Production Method: Bottle fermented and preserved on its natural yeasts
• Closure: Crown cap

Sensory Description:

Straw yellow in color with a naturally hazy appearance from suspended yeasts, Su Alto opens with delicate aromas of wildflowers, citrus peel, and dried apricot. Gentle, persistent bubbles create a soft and creamy texture on the palate, where fresh citrus and orchard fruit notes mingle with subtle yeast complexity. Bone dry and beautifully energetic, the wine finishes with vibrant acidity, mineral tension, and a refreshing savory edge that invites another sip. Its combination of elegance, purity, and authenticity makes it a captivating expression of traditional bottle-fermented Glera.

Winemaker's Background:

Nestled in the hills of Scomigo near Conegliano, L'Antica Quercia is a 25-hectare estate devoted to farming in harmony with nature. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, pomegranate orchards, and ancient oak trees that have watched over the land for centuries, the estate embraces a philosophy centered on sustainability, biodiversity, and respect for natural rhythms. Positioned between Venice and the Belluno Dolomites, the vineyards benefit from constant alpine breezes that promote healthy fruit and vibrant acidity. Every decision at L'Antica Quercia is guided by the belief that farming should create a continuous flow of energy between the land, the people who care for it, and future generations.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled at 45–50°F (7–10°C). For a traditional experience, gently invert the bottle before serving to incorporate the lees, or pour carefully to leave the sediment behind for a cleaner expression. This wine pairs beautifully with charcuterie, fresh cheeses, seafood, fried appetizers, vegetable dishes, and rustic Venetian cuisine. Its crisp acidity and dry finish also make it an exceptional aperitif.