Azienda Agricola Provenza

Provenza Estate was established in 1967 by Walter Contato. Its name is derived from the Provencal origins of the Contato family. The 12 hectares that made up the wine producing land of the Cascina Maiolo and Cascina Molino properties were increased to today's of approximately 45 hectars acreage while passionately remaining faithful to ancient traditions. Today the prestige of the Company is maintained by Fabio and Patrizia , Walter Contato's children, and his wife, Cesarina, after his early death in May 1996. The progress we have achieved has brought us to the pinnacle of the local wine-growing industry. The Provenza Estate or "Cà Maiol" lies in the heart of the zone known as "Lugana" very close to the peninsula of Sirmione, 1 KM from Lake Garda. Provenza Estate covers four vineyards: the primary one is called Maiolo and it includes cellars and offices too, the others are named Molino, Rocchetta and Storta. The story of ownership dates well back into the past. In fact, the name of the founder, the Desenzano Notary Sebastiano Maioli, and the year of foundation 1710 (MDCCX in Roman numerals) are carved on the entrance door of the main house. The white wine Lugana takes its name from a very small area of production, situated on the shore of Lake Garda, south of the Peninsula of Sirmione . The soil, unique of its kind in the world, is made up solely of a variegated combination of stratified clay, mainly calcareous, interspersed by a plain of micro-organic sedimentation rich in oxides and mineral salts of the last post-glacial geological era. Colour: a very pale straw with light green reflections. Bouquet: delicate fragrance with a sligth hint of spring peach and almond. Flavour: it is a dry, soft cool taste and unmistakable slightly salty freshness. When served cool, about 10°C (50° Fahrenheit), it is an optimum aperitif. Excellent with fish and white meat. The cultivation of the 45 Hectares of wineyards (production of about 400.000 bottles for yaer) is still traditional. All spray treatments are studied to "Prevent" the spread of diseases. This is possible with the use of high tecnology equipment such as: sophisticated wheater Station, a direct connection with the Meteosat Satellite and Radio Receiver connected to the International Meteo Center of Shannon in Ireland. The well-equipped modern cellars, are designed for maximum utilization of natural processes instead of chemical ones, so to save both unique properties and genuineness of these wines. Thanks to the high quality of its wines, the Provenza Estate has received many awards at both domestic and intenational level, such as: the Gold Medal in Bordeaux and the prestigious "Prix the Excellence" in Paris. The Exports reach all corners of the world but are mainly destined to North Europe, the U.S.A. and Japan. Provenza's wines are also on sale in some Duty Free Shops at international airports."