Sole di Dario (2021) - Cantrina

“Sole di Dario” is the dessert wine that symbolises Cantrina, dedicated to Dario Dattoli, the founder of the estate. It comes from a white Bordeaux blend (Sauvignon/Sémillon) with the addition of Riesling, and from painstaking work in the vineyard (yield 16,5 hl/ha) and in the cellar. Production is tiny: around 2.900 bottles of 0,375 l for this vintage. It is a wine for long ageing, designed to evolve harmoniously over many years.

The appellation: Table wine

Table wine, or more correctly today wine without an appellation, is the simplest and freest category in the wine world. It does not fall within the official IGP, DOC or DOCG classifications, and for this reason it is not subject to production rules, compulsory geographical areas or regulations on grape varieties and yields. But take care: this does not automatically mean low-quality wine. On the contrary, many artisan and natural producers deliberately choose this category so they can experiment, innovate or avoid regulatory constraints, offering unique wines that break the mould.

What to eat with Sole di Dario

Who makes it: Cantrina

Founded in the 90s by Cristina Inganni and Diego Lavo, the estate – which takes its name from the small hamlet where they live – covers a little under 8 hectares among the gentle morainic hills above Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia. It has been certified organic since 2017, with artisan rigour, respect for biodiversity and a low-intervention approach in the cellar.

The vine of Sole di Dario

Sémillon

Sémillon is a white grape variety of French origin, known for its versatility and its ability to produce a wide range of wines, from fresh dry whites to the famous botrytised sweet wines such as those of Sauternes. Grown mainly in France, it is also found in Australia, South Africa and other fine wine areas, where it continues to stand out for its elegance and complexity.

Sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most famous and widely planted white grape varieties in the world, known for its fresh, aromatic and vibrant wines. Native to France, and in particular to the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc has spread to many wine regions, adapting to different climates and soils while always keeping its unmistakable personality.

Riesling

Riesling is one of the most prestigious and widely recognised white grape varieties in the world, valued for its extraordinary ability to express terroir and to produce wines of great longevity and complexity. Native to Germany, Riesling is today grown in many wine regions, where it stands out for its versatility and its unique aromatic profile.

Sole di Dario: the area of Valtènesi

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Sole di Dario

Primary aromas: Apricot, Dates, Dried figs, Peach in syrup

Secondary aromas: Toffee, Yellow fruit jam, Honey

Tertiary aromas: Beeswax, Sweet spices, Oak toast

Tasting notes: A deep golden yellow colour with amber highlights. The nose is extremely rich: dried apricot, jam, honey, candied fruit and nuts follow one another with great persistence. The palate is decidedly sweet, very broad and soft, but held up by a lively acidity that avoids any heaviness. The structure is substantial, the texture dense and enveloping, with a very long finish recalling honey, dried fruit and slightly herbaceous, balsamic notes that add complexity.