 Azienda Agricola Valle dell'Asso
While Azienda Agricola Valle Dell’Asso is coming into its own in the U.S. market, it has an illustrious history in the Salento flat dating back to 1820. Founder, Donato Vallone, established wine-making techniques in this area still in practice today. Starting in 1962, Luigi Vallone assumed direction of the company and modernized operations by upgrading the wine cellar. He brought in updated tractors and more effectively directed the conduction of their lands. Since 1995, winemaker Elio Minioa has worked closely with Gino Vallone and the family to take the established winemaking traditions into the 21st century: wines that appeal to both European and international sensibilities.,br>
Valle Dell’Asso’s vines, range in age from 1 to 35 and are located near the towns of Galatina, Cutrofiano, Sogliano Cavour and Salice Salento. They extend fifty hectares and are planted from north to south in order for grapes to receive optimal sunlight. According to Minoia, the way light hits the leaves of the vines has a direct influence on the quality, structure and equilibrium of the final product. During the growth period, in fact, the Galatina vineyards receive up to 3000 hours of cumulative sunlight. Salento’s warm, dry climate prompted the company to cultivate with “dry farming.” This low-water technique allows the land to breathe, reduces the damaging effects of humidity on the grapes, and is better for the environment. The techniques reflect the business philosophy of the company: “The wine is first of all born on the vine and then in the wine cellar in the steel and the wood.” Valle Dell’Asso also keeps its focus on grapes indigenous to Salento because of the interest of keeping the identity of the wines closely associated with the lands they originate from. Wine List |
