Products by winery Giovanni Menti
Stefano Menti
Gambellara (Vicenza) - Veneto
Giovanni Menti: Natural wines with volcanic soul from Gambellara
Giovanni Menti stands for authentic natural wines from Gambellara, characterized by biodynamic cultivation and a deep respect for tradition and the environment. The winery uses the unique volcanic terroir to create wines with a strong character and unmistakable expression—a delight for anyone who appreciates honest, handcrafted wine.
Towards the end of the 19th century, Giovanni Menti left his home in the Agno Valley and settled in Gambellara, where he cultivated his wife's fertile land with great dedication. In addition to fruit trees, legumes, vegetables, and olive groves, he devoted himself primarily to the cultivation of the Garganega grape, which thrives particularly well on the volcanic soils of the region. His son Antonio continued this tradition and defied the challenges of World War II to further expand viticulture. In the 1970s, his grandson Gianni began bottling his own wines, including Gambellara, Recioto di Gambellara, and Vin Santo di Gambellara. Today, Stefano Menti is the fourth generation to run the winery, focusing on biodynamic agriculture and the production of authentic natural wines.
Giovanni Menti pursues a philosophy of biodynamic cultivation that focuses on nature and tradition. The indigenous Garganega and Durella grape varieties thrive on the mineral-rich volcanic soils of Gambellara and find ideal conditions in the best locations—Roncaie, Riva Arsiglia, Monte del Cuca, and Omomorto. By avoiding chemical additives and using natural farming methods, the vitality of the soil is preserved, allowing the vines to develop their full potential.
In the cellar, the winery relies on spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts, minimal intervention, and unfiltered bottling to preserve the authenticity of the wines. Monte del Cuca is a characterful orange wine fermented with the skins, while Omomorto is a Metodo Classico sparkling wine fermented and refermented with native yeasts.
