Azienda Agricola Le Carline, Veneto

Le Carline is a relatively small, meticulously maintained estate in Lison Pramaggiore, north of Venice. Geographically, the winegrowing zone lies between the broad Piave plain and the hillier, more renowned Friuli. A closer look shows clear differences from vineyards just a few kilometres away in Piave: pergolas are smaller and vines planted more densely. DOC rules limit yields to 90 hl/ha, whereas Piave’s average harvest is 170 hl/ha.

Azienda Agricola Le Carline is a very likeable, lovingly run family business, where a commitment to clean working practices and good quality is evident everywhere. It is extremely well equipped technically, and I also really like the wines, particularly the Merlot Rosato. Daniele Piccinin's organic wines have so far found it difficult to compete with the cheap, mass-produced wines made from the same varieties in neighbouring regions that are currently flooding the organic wine market, despite the clear quality of his wines.