Eighty years ago, Count Gaetano Marzotto revitalized a parcel of land in the Venetian countryside and decided to turn it into what the Romans had done centuries earlier: a vineyard. And, after naming it after his wife, Margherita, Santa Margherita has been producing fine wines that not only taste great but are also eco-friendly. The wines are produced in three of the country’s leading wine-growing regions: Adige Valley, the Hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and the Chianti Classico Zone, and are sold in more than 85 countries.
Santa Margherita’s wines are produced in family-owned properties and stay true to the classic Italian traditions. For instance, in Veneto, 90 percent of the grapes are still harvested by hand. The varieties are: Pinot Grigio Alto Adige and Valdadige, Chianti Classico Riserva, Sparking Rosé and Prosecco Superiore.
The popular Pinot Grigio pairs well with fresh cheeses, seafood and pasta and has a clean, intense aroma and bone-dry taste. The Chianti Classico Riserva goes perfectly with traditional Italian favorites as well as game and roasts. The sparkling rosé is a perfect pink that brings a subtle notes of floral fragrances, along with fruits and red berry fruits. Celebrate it with seafood dishes and—surprisingly—highly seasoned East Asian cuisines. Finally a wine perfect with a spicy stir fry.
In keeping with traditional winemaking practices, the vineyards are committed to sustainability and preserving the environment with the use of natural processes and products. For instance, they use computerized, in-ground irrigation systems to reduce water evaporation and runoff, and in Chianti Classico, no conventional chemical pesticides are used. They are also vegan-friendly, which is something I didn’t even know was part of winemaking — but it is! No animal byproducts are used and instead only vegan-friendly bentonite clay, along with yeast- and vegetable-derived products are used during filtration. In fact, only vegan suppliers are used to maintain the production’s integrity.
What could be better than an eco-friendly wine that cares about animals and is perfect for everyday living as well as celebrations?