Speri

Overview

Estate

Founded in 1874 in the Veneto region’s Valpolicella Classica, it is managed by the seventh-generation Speri family. It specializes in Amarone and Valpolicella wines, using only grapes from its 148 acres of organic vineyards within the Valpolicella appellation. The company handles all production stages, from vineyard to bottle.

Climate

Cool currents influence the climate from the Lessini mountains and milder weather from Lake Garda, creating daily temperature changes that boost the wine’s aromas, freshness, and complexity.

Soil

• La Roverina and La Fontana (Negrar): deep silty soils for fragrant, straightforward wines. • Sant’Urbano (Fumane): calcareous-cretaceous volcanic soils with gypsum and clay, producing complex, elegant wines. • La Roggia (San Pietro in Cariano): silty soils with gravel layers, ideal for refined sweet wines.

Vineyards

The 148 acres are in the best parts of Valpolicella Classica, between 394-1640 ft altitude, in San Pietro in Cariano, Fumane, and Negrar. The family grows only native varieties like Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara, without buying outside grapes or wine. They vinify different crus separately to fully express the territory’s richness.

Cultivation

Since 2015, production has been 100% certified organic. The family utilizes sustainable practices that exclude pesticides and herbicides, employing the “open sloping pergola” system, developed in the 1990s, to enhance sun exposure and ventilation for the grapes. Most vineyard work, including pruning and harvesting, is done manually. The agronomist is Giampietro Speri, exemplifying family-held knowledge within the family.

Winery

The winery features two interconnected areas: the winemaking section, which includes a crushing zone, tanks, and the aging cellar, complete with a large underground barrel room for optimal maturation. Above are the bottling area and warehouses. Recently, investments have included advanced technology, new aging spaces, and a photovoltaic system. In 2024, a restoration began on the 1580s family home to expand hospitality, education, and tasting facilities.

Family

Seven generations of winegrowers have shaped Speri’s history. Today, Giampaolo, Luca, Chiara, Alberto, Giampietro (sixth generation), and Giuseppe (seventh generation), supported by Carlo (fifth generation), who is retired, manage the company. Recently, university student PierFrancesco has joined production. A family team passionately oversees every stage, from vineyard to bottle.

Winemaker

Alberto Speri and his son Giuseppe, a young seventh-generation winemaker, are in charge of the winemaking. Their approach focuses on promoting native grape varieties and making authentic, elegant wines that stay true to traditional styles.

Focus Point

• 150 years of history and seven generations in Valpolicella Classica. • 148 acres of vineyards in optimal locations. • 100% certified organic production. • Certifications include Equalitas and Biodiversity Friend. • Exclusive production of Valpolicella DOC and DOCG wines. • Strong identity and unwavering fidelity to their roots. • 450,000 bottles produced annually. • Distributed in over 60 countries.