Villa Sandi "La Rivetta" Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze Brut 2023
(Veneto, Italy) - [F 93] [JS 91]

About the Winery:
Headquartered in a historic Palladian villa, dating to 1622, Villa Sandi is a winery anchored in family and tradition. The Moretti Polegato family has grown grapes since the 1920s and has been the steward of the Villa Sandi estate since the late 1970s, preserving an icon of Italian wine culture. Currently the largest owner of estate vineyards in Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, Villa Sandi offers a portfolio of fresh and lively Proseccos from DOC Treviso, fruit-driven Prosecco Superiore from Valdobbiadene and Asolo DOCGs, and an elegant and refined offering from Cartizze DOCG, the highest designation of the region.

Villa Sandi showcases an extreme dedication to elevating the production of Prosecco by managing its estate vineyards with the utmost care. Exceptional wine quality and a true commitment to sustainability and biodiversity are hallmarks of Villa Sandi. Among its many sustainable practices, Villa Sandi primarily relies on its own hydroelectric power plant to supply clean energy and irrigate its vineyards. The winery’s dedication to preserving its legacy through protecting the environment is rooted in Villa Sandi’s family-run organization.

Villa Sandi’s Proseccos routinely receive the highest praise from wine publications, and their Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG La Rivetta, from a small 3.7-acre estate vineyard, has obtained the highest Tre Bicchieri award for 14 consecutive years from Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine guide.

About the Wine:
Villa Sandi's 2023 La Rivetta is a vintage Brut from the prestigious Cartizze hillside in Valdobbiadene, Veneto. Made primarily from Glera, it combines delicate orchard-fruit aromas with fresh citrus and a fine, supple mousse.

Vineyard & Winemaking:
The estate's Vigna La Rivetta lies within the 106-hectare Cartizze zone between Santo Stefano and San Pietro di Barbozza. Calcareous sandstone and clay soils and the sheltered hillside climate support ripeness and freshness. Grapes are gently pressed, and the must is kept cold until fermentation. Selected yeasts and temperature-controlled tank fermentation preserve the wine's fruit and floral character.

Tasting Profile & Food Pairings:
Apple, peach and lemon lead into a light honeyed accent, with soft bubbles and a refreshing finish. Serve at 6–8°C as an aperitif or with salmon tartare, marinated fish and delicate seafood dishes.

Technical Details: 750 mL; primarily Glera; 11.5% alcohol; 12 g/L residual sugar; 5.7 g/L total acidity.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points – Falstaff:
“Light lemon yellow with silver reflections and a persistent, fine mousse. Ripe Williams pear, white peach, acacia blossom, light herbal notes and orange zest on the nose. Beautiful juiciness and minerality on the palate. Well-balanced, elegant and with a beautiful drinking flow. Citrus zest and well-integrated mousse in the long finish.” – Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler (Oct 2024)

91 Points – James Suckling:
“A fresh and elegant sparkling that has lemon, peach, green apple and a hint of honey on the nose, followed by a light- to medium-bodied palate and soft bubbles. Drink now.” (Jul 2024)