Veneto, Italy
Guerrieri Rizzardi, a renowned wine producer, traces its roots to the 17th century, with the Guerrieri family's shift to land investment for agriculture and forestation in Valdadige. In 1913, the union of the Guerrieri and Rizzardi families marked the creation of Guerrieri-Rizzardi. Through the 20th century, figures like Antonio Rizzardi and Maria Cristina Loredan Rizzardi played pivotal roles in transforming the family estates, expanding vineyards, and enhancing wine quality. In the new millennium, the third generation, including Giuseppe, Olimpia, and Agostino Rizzardi, continues the legacy with a focus on estate-produced wines and sustainable practices.
The heart of Guerrieri Rizzardi lies in Bardolino, where the Rambaldi family's 15th-century estate and the Rizzardi family's Pojega estate form the oldest part of the winemaking tradition. The family's dedication is evident in their hands-on involvement in vineyards and cellar work during harvest, reflecting a commitment to producing the best possible wines. The diverse grape varieties cultivated, both regional and international, are chosen based on soil characteristics rather than rigid tradition, contributing to the complexity and intensity of the wines.
The winemaking process involves meticulous practices, from tailored pruning and parcel-specific work to a careful grape selection during harvest. The grapes travel minimally from vineyard to the cellars in Bardolino, Negrar, and Soave. The resulting wines, including the acclaimed Amarone Calcarole, showcase the family's dedication to finesse, elegance, and balance. Guerrieri Rizzardi has expanded beyond wine, embracing tourism and hospitality, epitomized by the eco winery in Bardolino, blending ancient and modern elements.