Story: Gianni Tessari | Veneto
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A new beginning with experience: the start of the Gianni Tessari project
In 2013, a new chapter in the history of Italian viticulture began: Gianni Tessari founded his own winery - a bold step based on decades of experience and passion for viticulture. Gianni Tessari is considered one of the most influential personalities in Veronese viticulture. Since the 1980s, he has set standards with his wines and achieved international recognition. His wines have won over critics and connoisseurs alike and have received numerous awards.

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Roots in the heart of the Soave region
Gianni Tessari was born in 1963 in Brognoligo, a small district of Monteforte d'Alpone - the place with the highest density of vines in the whole of Italy. The fact that he grew up here was more than a happy coincidence. From an early age, he helped out in the family vineyards, which at the time only covered a few hectares - planted exclusively with Garganega. These first experiences laid the foundation for his love of viticulture. After graduating from the Agricultural Institute, Gianni devoted all his energy to wine - not out of strategic considerations, but out of genuine passion and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

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The international breakthrough in the 1980s
Together with his brother, he began a winegrowing project in the early 1980s that contributed significantly to the worldwide recognition of Soave wines. These were years of upheaval for Italian viticulture - years in which quality, not quantity, became the new motto. Gianni Tessari was one of the few who recognized the importance of uncompromising quality work early on. Success was not long in coming: his wines received numerous awards, including the “Tre Bicchieri” 14 times, the highest rating in the renowned Gambero Rosso wine guide.

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A return to the origins and the rediscovery of Durella
A decisive step in his career was the move to Roncà. There, Gianni took over a winery with a rich past and great significance for the indigenous Durella grape variety. This was long regarded as rustic and difficult, but under Gianni's management it was refined into an elegant, mineral and high-class sparkling wine. His courage to innovate met with a deep understanding of the terroir - a combination that proved to be forward-looking.

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Figures that speak for themselves - but also for a philosophy
Today, the winery covers 55 hectares of vineyards, spread across three important DOC areas: Roncà (Lessini Durello), Soave and Sarego (Colli Berici). The ultra-modern wine cellar in Roncà extends over 7,000 square meters. Around 350,000 bottles are produced each year, divided into 15 different labels. However, these figures are not based on industrial production, but on a philosophy based on respect for the terroir, precision craftsmanship and family commitment. Gianni is supported by his wife Anna Maria and their two daughters Valeria and Alice - a true family business.

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Three terroirs, three characters - one signature
The special thing about Gianni Tessari's project is the diversity of the terroirs he works with and his ability to clearly bring out these differences. The Soave is an elegant white wine with a pronounced minerality, characterized by the volcanic soils of the Monteforte area. The red wines from the Colli Berici, on the other hand, are harmonious, deep and reflect the calcareous soils. And finally, the sparkling wines from the Durella grape in the Lessini mountains: lively, fine-sparkling and mineral - with an expression of freshness, finesse and persistence.

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Gianni Tessari - a name that stands for the future
Gianni's strength lies not only in his oenological expertise, but also in his ability to pursue visions and implement them with craftsmanship. Today, his winery exemplifies a modern Italy that knows and respects its roots, but does not remain stuck in tradition. The combination of three unique wine-growing regions in a single estate is an expression of this holistic approach.

Gianni Tessari embodies the new generation of Italian viticulture: quality-conscious, terroir-loving and innovative - and yet deeply rooted in the values and landscapes of his homeland. - Gerardo [TS04/25]