In the heart of the hillside and amidst the play of light that shapes the gentle slopes of Monte Baldo, where the Adige River embraces the province of Verona and borders the forests of the Lessini Mountains, a land of vineyards and ancient silence unfolds: Valpolicella Classica . It is here that we at FeelGarda visited the Azienda Agricola La Marega , located in Marega (Fumane, VR)—a name that evokes deep roots, stone, wind, and grapes.
The place first of all
As soon as you round the bend overlooking the vineyard, the courtyard reveals itself immersed in a suspended natural landscape: the high, breezy hillside offers significant temperature variations, which favor the slow and complex ripening of the grapes. There are the two dovecotes, praised by Daniele, structures that bear witness to a time when agriculture and livestock farming intertwined: first pigeons, then drying grapes. This continuity between past and present is what gives the La Marega project its authenticity.
Family and tradition
Daniele and Marco, the company's key players, represent the continuation of a generation that, while maintaining a strong attachment to family values, has wisely innovated. Daniele and Marco mentioned how the company was registered as the second largest in the area and how in 2001 a decisive step was taken: the family purchased four hectares of their own land, deciding to make their own wine. From that moment until 2018, when Daniele and Marco launched the La Marega brand, the trajectory was clear: from "grape producers" to "wine producers," with a very specific promise: to grow only the fundamental native varieties of Valpolicella—Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella (and Trebbiano for the white wine)—sustainably and respectfully.
It's significant that they obtained organic certification in 2023, while admitting that they have always been "organic" in spirit and practice in the fields and in winemaking: a sign of consistency between what they say and what they do.
The terroir and viticulture
The vineyard, nestled high on a hillside, with porous, well-ventilated soil, provides ideal conditions for the vines: roots dig into well-draining soil, thanks to constant ventilation, and the natural drying process that follows. The low yield, which Daniele highlighted, is a quality and selection parameter that speaks for itself: just 100 kg of grapes yield between 30 and 40 liters, after thinning the bunches by about 30%. The fact that only 20% of the grapes produced are used for the winery's winemaking confirms its artisanal approach: "small volume, big character." Furthermore, the age-old drying technique is a candidate for UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage status. The grapes are then inspected by the body that issues the DOCG. For Marega, the geographical location is Fumane (Verona) – Marega – within the Valpolicella Classica DOCG.
The cellar and the method
After hand-selecting the grapes, one of the details that truly makes the place unique is the presence of the over 130-year-old French Marmonier press: a historic piece that still delicately presses the free-run must. The original walls, the door modified to allow the passage of the barrels, the concrete vats (the "old" ones, 55 years old) alongside the modern steel tanks: everything strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Marco explained that using concrete vats allows for natural micro-oxygenation, preserving the purity of the fruit and the terroir. This combination of French oak (tonneaux) and concrete is very interesting: it reflects a thoughtful choice in aging, aiming not to force the wine, but to let it express itself.
Tastings and the philosophy of labels
Spirit, emotion, and terroir blend together in the five labels produced, all numbered, for a very limited run of approximately 8,000 bottles per year—a number that speaks of obsession and selection. Marco and Daniele announce a "probable sixth label," but we're keeping that under wraps, to add that touch of mystery that FeelGarda enthusiasts appreciate.
The grapes on the vines have an average age of about 70 years: this is powerful information, because the historic vines convey immediacy and depth. The drying process, the low yield, and the meticulous care in the vineyards all translate into wines with personality.
We clearly distinguished the “four actors” of the comedy that Marco guided us to recognize: the “Woman” (Valpolicella Classico) , the “Man” (Valpolicella Superiore) , the elegance of the Ripasso and the “Power” of the Amarone, and he did so with sensitivity.
The wines in detail
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOCG
Amarone is the beating heart of our land, the wine that best expresses the profound soul of Valpolicella.
It is made from carefully selected grapes, harvested strictly by hand, when the late summer sun caresses the bunches with its last rays. After harvest, the grapes rest in the drying room, where the cool mountain air and the winds that sweep through the valley begin the slow drying process. During this suspended time, the fruit loses water, concentrating sugars, aromas, and polyphenols: it is the very breath of our land that is condensed in each grape.
The winemaking process follows traditional rhythms, enriched with subtle innovations that respect history. The wine ages for at least two years in oak barrels, where it evolves and develops its aromas.
On the palate, Amarone offers a deep and velvety sip, with notes of black cherry in alcohol, plum, and ripe fruit, enveloped by hints of sweet spice and cocoa. It is a wine of great structure and intensity, created to accompany moments of contemplation, silence, and memory.
Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC
Valpolicella Ripasso is the direct heir of peasant wisdom, a wine born from the ancient practice of "ripassare" (passing) Valpolicella over Amarone pomace. A simple yet extraordinary ritual, capable of infusing new life, strength, and complexity.
This wine combines the freshness of Valpolicella with the power of Amarone, resulting in a full-bodied and harmonious red. On the nose, it releases aromas of ripe cherry and black cherry, followed by elegant notes of chocolate, spice, and vanilla.
On the palate, it's warm and enveloping, with a velvety texture and a long, persistent finish. Ripasso is a wine for refined conviviality, perfect for those seeking a balance between tradition and intensity.
Valpolicella Superiore Classico DOC
Valpolicella Superiore is the most gentle and refined expression of our valley. It's a wine that doesn't need to raise its voice to be remembered: it seduces with elegance and restraint, like a story whispered by the fire.
With a bright ruby red color, it offers a delicate bouquet of cherry blossom and vanilla on the nose, with light fruity nuances. On the palate, it is soft and rounded , with fine tannins and a persistence that invites another sip.
It's a versatile wine, capable of gracefully pairing traditional dishes, but also of taking center stage in moments of tranquility. It expresses the harmony of a land that conveys elegance without excess.
Valpolicella Classico DOC
Valpolicella Classico is the wine of the everyday soul, one that harks back to the authentic simplicity of the peasant table. It's a celebration of freshness and spontaneity, born of the same hills that have guarded Verona's winemaking history for centuries.
A beautiful, light ruby red color, it releases aromas of crisp cherry, raspberry, and currant on the nose, intertwined with light spicy notes of green pepper. The palate is lively and balanced, with a pleasant savory edge that enhances its drinkability.
It's the ideal companion for every day, a wine that speaks of sharing, smiles, and authenticity.
The Firstborn – Bianco Veronese IGT
"Il Primogenito" is our tribute to birth, light, and freshness. It's our first white wine, a wine that captures the vitality of spring flowers and the brilliance of the sun on the vines.
On the nose it opens with aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits and yellow-fleshed fruit, while on the palate it wins over with its freshness, pleasant sapidity and a finish reminiscent of the scent of lemon and freshly cut grass.
It's a youthful and lively wine, ideal as an aperitif or paired with light dishes. But above all, it's a wine that speaks of rebirth and the future, a testament to the ongoing evolution of our family and our land.
An invitation for the FeelGarda reader
If you find yourself in the Lake Garda area—the Verona shore, the hilltop villages surrounding Valpolicella —let Daniele and Marco guide you: the tasting becomes a journey, not just a sip. The views of the hills, the spontaneous knowledge of the vineyards, the authentic winery, and their personal passion are all elements that make La Marega more than just a producer: it's an experience.
We recommend booking in advance: limited capacity means select tours, carefully curated tastings, and bottles that sell out quickly. And for FeelGarda guests, we've received confirmation that special treatment will be reserved, so it's definitely worth it.
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