I have been an admirer of Kevin Zraly for nearly 25 years. His "Windows on the World Complete Wine Course" is a must-read for anyone looking to increase their wine knowledge. After my recent trip to Italy, however, I must take exception to something Mr. Zraly wrote in the latest edition of his book. He states,"The Italians traditionally do not put the same effort into making their white wines as they do their reds." While this may still be true for some regions that specialize in red wine, I think if Mr. Zraly had joined us on our visits to Soave and Orvieto he might amend that statement.

In Soave we visited the La Cappuccina estate. Since 1890 the Tessari family has been making wine on this property. Eighty-six acres of vineyards surround the family's villa. A new state of the art cellar has recently been completed. Day to day running of the estate is now in the hands of the third generation: Sisto, the agronomist, Pietro, the winemaker, and Elena, responsible for public relations. The Tessaris' quest for even greater quality has led them to carrying out all phases of the winemaking process according to organic precepts since 1985.

The family's attention to detail can be seen in all of their wines, and while some spectacular red wines are produced at La Cappuccina, the primary focus is on the production of white wine.

Sisto explaining the drying process for his Recioto di Soave.

In the stunning hilltop village of Orvieto, we visited the historic estate of Le Velette. Le Velette lies in the center of the Orvieto Classico zone. Their ancient cellars were carved into the tufaceous rock during the Etruscan period. There are still Etruscan amphora in the cellars to testify to the antique oenological tradition of this place. 

Today, Le Velette has been run by the same family for six generations. The passionate brother and sister team of Corrado and Cecilia Bottai jealously guard the ancient traditions which they combine with modern technology that together give life to wines of outstanding quality. Experts from around the world have given the wines from Le Velette international acclaim.

Cecilia and Corrado Bottai are pushing quality at Le Velette.

Etruscan Amphora found in the cellars of Le Velette.

Just as at La Cappuccina, Le Velette has introduced international red grape varieties onto the property, but the primary focus is their spectacular white wines.

If you are in the market for exceptionally well-made white wines from passionate, quality driven producers, look no further than La Cappuccina Soave and Le Velette Orvieto.

Paul Quaglini

Wine Supervisor