Steep Terrain Drives Handcrafted Prosecco Production Andreola, a family-owned winery in Valdobbiadene, has built its portfolio around single-vineyard Prosecco Rive—wines from individual hillside parcels that showcase the region's microclimatic diversity. The winery claims the widest range of Rive expressions in the denomination. Terrain defines production at Andreola. Some vineyards in Valdobbiadene reach gradients of up to 80%, eliminating mechanization as an option. Every vine is tended and every grape is harvested by hand. This manual labor is the only viable approach on slopes this steep.
Terroir Expression Through Altitude and Exposure Each Riva parcel carries its own combination of altitude, exposure, and soil composition. These variables shape distinct ripening patterns and aromatic profiles across the portfolio. According to the winery, no two hillsides behave alike, and no two Rive taste the same. Andreola uses this granular terroir insight to craft refined, elegant sparkling wines that capture the distinct character of Valdobbiadene DOCG. The portfolio approach allows consumers to explore how individual vineyards express different identities within the appellation.
Why It Matters
For operators sourcing premium Prosecco, single-vineyard bottlings offer a storytelling opportunity that mass-market bottlings cannot match. Rive expressions are gaining traction among wine programs seeking to differentiate their sparkling wine by-the-glass or pairing offerings.
For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.
Written by FBM Publications Editors
