Soave Classico DOC – Castelcerino, Veneto

At the heart of Soave Classico, in the sun-drenched hills of Castelcerino, the Coffele family tends one of the most storied—and sustainable—estates in the region. The estate’s roots run deep: originally cultivated by the Visco family in the mid-19th century, the winery was founded in 1971 by Giuseppe Coffele and Giovanna Visco as an expression of their shared passion for the land and its native grapes.

Today, their children, Alberto and Chiara Coffele, carry the family legacy forward with expertise and vision. Alberto oversees the organically farmed 25 hectares of vineyards (the highest in the Soave Classico zone, reaching 400 meters above sea level), while Chiara handles global sales and communication with vibrant energy and charm.

The vineyards, surrounded by ancient olive trees, wild cherry groves, and woodlands, are planted primarily to Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave, alongside Chardonnay and red varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Franc/Sauvignon. The estate was the first in Soave Classico to be certified organic—proof of the family's commitment to environmental stewardship and purity of expression.

What sets Coffele apart, beyond its volcanic and calcareous soils and ideal south-southwest exposure, is their deep respect for nature. Horses are used instead of tractors, reducing soil compaction and enriching the land with natural fertilizer—a closed-loop cycle that reflects a rare harmony between modern viticulture and timeless tradition.

Each cru—Ca’ Visco, Alzari, Nuj, and Castel Cerino—tells its own story. Ca’ Visco, the highest vineyard, is prized for its minerality and elegance. Alzari, known for its sun exposure, yields rich, age-worthy Garganega. Nuj produces classic Bordeaux-style blends, while Castel Cerino showcases the true essence of Soave terroir.

The family’s Valpolicella project, launched in the hills of Campiano, reflects the same dedication. There, Coffele produces vibrant reds, including a beautifully balanced Amarone, using a restored, naturally ventilated drying room for appassimento—a nod to the old ways, enhanced by modern energy-efficient design.

Coffele’s commitment to sustainability, organic farming, and slow agriculture goes beyond checkboxes. From cultivating their own fodder to using only estate-produced manure, every step honors the land and future generations.

And the wines? Bright, expressive, elegant. Whether it’s the floral Ca’ Visco, the layered Amarone, or the lively Soave Classico, Coffele wines capture the soul of their land and the spirit of a family that’s quietly shaping the future of Italian wine—with humility, heart, and a horse or two.