Asolo, a Venetian town in the north-east of Italy, is located in a truly privileged position, nestled in the hills and protected to the rear by Monte Grappa - the culturally important site of several First World War battles. It has mountain views and, on clear days it is possible to see the sea and the pinnacles of Venice. It is also home to the Tenuta Baron vineyard and winery, lovingly nurtured by Bailli Enrica Beatrice Amabilia.

It is the mineral-rich soil and mild climate that combine to create a perfect habitat for growing grapes. The conditions are particularly suitable for a wine known all over the world - the Asolo Hills Prosecco.

Enrica Beatrice is one in a long line of women who have left their own indelible and historic mark on the region. Inspired by a long stay in the beautiful 17th century villa with its impressive ancient rose gardens, rows of vines and surrounded by the silver-green of the olive trees, Enrica Beatrice, a well-known business consultant, found a new lease of life. Demonstrating courage, tenacity and skill, she has built her own vineyard and brought new colour and beauty to the villa. She has created, almost out of nowhere, some excellent wines, as if inspired by Bacchus himself.

The vines are cultivated totally by hand, from pruning to harvest, respecting a natural balance that, with a breezy microclimate, allows the grapes to ripen beautifully. They undergo a soft pressing in the cellar and the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to autoclaves to be turned into sparkling wines using the Charmat method.

The vineyard grows predominantly Glera grapes, which are essential to give life to the Prosecco Asolo DOCG, extra dry and brut and always vintaged for every single year.

The most highly rated wine of the estate is the excellent Rosé delle Stelle (Rosé of the Stars), so-called as it represents an idealistic link between the sky and earth with the colours of sunrise and sunset. It is elegant and floral, perfect as an aperitif but also a good match for fish and white meat dishes.

Non-sparkling wines produced include the Poesia or Armonìa from the autochthonous Incrocio Manzoni grapes.

Working side-by-side with Enrica Beatrice is her son Giacomo Baron. On finishing school, Giacomo went to Australia to improve his English. It was during a visit to her son that Enrica Beatrice had the idea to import and plant some rows of the precious Shiraz grape, which at the time was practically unknown in the Venetians hills. Another important wine was the result - Conàmore - a lightly barrique blend of Shiraz and Merlot, now a flagship of the winery.

The Estate has no shortage of new projects, such as the colourful bottles with floral motifs, a great way of making a dinner by the sea or a social event even more elegant. Another example is the recent addition of a new line. Vini di Beatrice (Beatrice’s Wines) is a product with a touch of femininity targeted at customers looking for lightness and harmony in wines, to enhance conviviality and pleasure of being together.

Amanda Roberts
Editor, Revue internationale de la Chaîne

Ed. This article was first published in the 2020 edition of the Revue internationale de la Chaîne