L'Antica Quercia, Matiu, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, DOCG, Veneto, Italy

Who - Claudio Francavilla, L'Antica Quercia

Where - Conegliano, Valdobiaddene, Veneto, Italy
What - Sparkling Wine - Glera

When - 2025
How - Organic / Biodynamic, whole bunch pressed, spontaneous fermentation, aged over winter on lees then refermented in spring using Martinotti (tank) method, bottled unfined, unfiltered, Vegan

Nestled in the hills of Scomigo, just north of Conegliano sits the beautiful tree laden estate of l'Antica Quercia where Claudio and his father Luigi farm 25 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and pomegranate orchards amongst the forests on their land. The name is in honour of two ancient oak tress (Quercia) that watch over the estate. Claudio and Luigi took over in 2001 and have since  converted to organic and later biodynamic practices when very few of their neighbours were working this way. In a region perhaps associated with the industrial and technical, aiming towards consistency and value, l'Antica Quercia are redefining Prosecco, choosing meticulous farming and minimal intervention in the cellar using indigenous yeasts and with minimal use of sulphur as well as experimentation with skin maceration and use of amphora. They're on the quest for the purest expression of Glera which is far from your conventional Prosecco, more textured, savoury and full of energy and bags of character.