Viticulture at Nicolis Winery
The hills of the Valpolicella offer red and brown soils covering cretaceous marble, basalt, and Eocene limestone. These small valleys are abundant with small creeks that are almost always dry, since the water table is almost always lower than the streambed. Every valley offers geographic conditions that are slightly different, but all are characterized by favorable levels of calcium rich, rocky clay. In the entire Valpolicella, the climatic conditions are relatively mild since it is somewhat protected by the pre-Alps in the north. The Valpolicella is well exposed to the south and is also influenced by thermal breezes from Garda Lake, which also make winters rather mild as well. Most of the rainfall is concentrated in springtime and late autumn, while in summer, the clay soil tends to be rather dry and only occasional precipitations occur, accompanied by breezes flowing over the mountains and valleys. These unique geologic and climatic conditions ensure that the grapes grown in these areas are of the highest quality and are particularly well adapted for wines that are to undergo long aging periods.
The hills on the west side of Garda Lake originate from glacial moraines and provide a complex soil structure, due to the multi-layered deposits left behind from numerousglacial eras. The hills have high reliefs due to the ancient glaciers present in the area, are often rocky, and are well adapted for viticulture. The climate is particularly mild in winter, due to the thermal effect of Lake Garda. The temperatures are usually somewhat higher than the areas further inland, important is as well the big temperature excursion especially in autumn.
These climatic conditions favor early ripening of grape, leading to wines that are highly perfumed, flavorful, and fresh.
The Nicolis “cru”: Seccal and Ambrosan
In the Valpolicella, there are numerous small zones that are particularly adapted for viticulture.
Each of these zones has diverse characteristics, which are reflected in the final product and its quality. An accurate examination of the soil, its exposition, and the climate are therefore at the base of a careful choice where grapevines are grown. The “cru” Seccal and Ambrosan produced by the Nicolis family are found in a very old and traditional zone. These cru are quite close to one another and are made from grapes grown under similar geographical and climatic conditions. The land is well exposed and well ventilated, and has a unique microclimate. These elements make the wines that come from these grapevines unique products, with exceptional characteristics and personalities.
As for other vineyards, the grape harvest for the cru is rigorously carried out manually, in October. The vines are maintained in an inclined and open pergoletta system, which allows the cultivation of more than 9880 plants per acre.
A CAMPAIGN FINANCED ACCORDING TO EC REGULATIONS N.1234/07 