Valdobbiadene, Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Loris Follador at Casa Coste Piane uses the col fondo (Rifermentato in Bottiglia) method which leaves residual CO2 from secondary fermentation as a natural preservative. No dosage and no fining are used; total SO2 is kept to a minimum consistent with VinNatur protocols. The natural sparkle and lees sediment replace the sulfite stabilization used in Charmat-method Prosecco.
Tip: Col fondo Prosecco from Casa Coste Piane is naturally lower in sulfites than standard Prosecco DOC; the lees provide antioxidant protection without added preservatives.
Demeter CertifiedORGANIC CERTIFIEDValpolicella, Mezzane Valley
Marinella Camerani converted Corte Sant'Alda to organic viticulture from 1990 and to biodynamics by the mid-1990s, achieving Demeter certification for the Mezzane di Sotto estate. One of the earliest biodynamic estates in the Veneto, producing Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso and Amarone under the Demeter regime. Camerani is a founding figure of biodynamic winemaking in northeastern Italy.
Tip: The Mithas Valpolicella Ripasso DOC is the most approachable expression of Corte Sant'Alda's biodynamic farming; available via Louis Dressner Selections in the US and specialist UK importers.
Demeter CertifiedORGANIC CERTIFIEDValpolicella Classico, Castelrotto sub-zone
Carlo Venturini and Alessandra Zantedeschi farm 8 hectares in the Castelrotto sub-zone of Valpolicella Classico under full Demeter certification. The estate uses biodynamic preparations, cover crops and hand-harvesting; no fining or filtering in the cellar. Their Amarone Stropa is the flagship. VinNatur member.
Tip: Monte dall'Ora's Saseti Valpolicella Classico Superiore is the entry wine; book a cellar visit directly with Alessandra to see the biodynamic preparations in use.
ORGANIC CERTIFIEDSoave Classico
Nino Pieropan converted the entire Soave Classico estate to certified organic farming from 2012, with Suolo e Salute as certifying body. The certification covers all three estate vineyards including Calvarino and La Rocca. Pieropan is the most internationally recognised organic Soave producer and was instrumental in demonstrating that hillside volcanic Garganega rewards chemical-free viticulture.
Tip: Ask retailers for the single-vineyard La Rocca (Garganega on chalky limestone soils) or Calvarino (volcanic basalt) to taste how organic certification amplifies the soil character.
ORGANIC PRACTICINGSoave Classico, San Bonifacio
Inama farms all Soave Classico vineyards following organic principles. The estate grows Garganega on volcanic basalt and tuff in the Soave Classico sub-zone and has been a consistent advocate for hillside organic viticulture and single-vineyard bottlings (Vigneto du Lot, Vigneto Foscarino). No third-party certifier has been confirmed from primary sources.
Tip: Inama's organic Soave Classico Vigneto du Lot is made from 50-year-old Garganega vines; the old-vine concentration is notable even at the accessible price point.
Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalGambellara DOC, Vicenza Province
Angiolino Maule is the founder of the VinNatur association (2006) and the most influential figure in the Italian natural wine movement. La Biancara farms 7 hectares of Garganega on volcanic basalt in Gambellara DOC. The Pico (skin-contact Garganega) and Sassaia (direct-press white) are the flagships. No sulfur additions in the cellar; wild yeast fermentation; no fining or filtering.
Tip: La Biancara wines are only reliably available through VinNatur-affiliated importers; in the Veneto, look at specialist natural wine bars in Verona for the Sassaia and Pico.
