(Verona, March 2006) Sartori of Verona will introduce a new premium line of Veneto wines crafted by head winemaker Franco Bernabei at its new winery, I Saltari. The first wines to be released will be a Valpolicella Superiore 2001 and an Amarone 2000.

Located in the Mezzane Valley, east of Verona, I Saltari comprises 210 acres, approximately 50 of which are adjacent to the historical winery. The vineyards are dedicated exclusively to the classic grape varieties indigenous to the region, Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Croatina.

The Sartori family named their winery after the mercenary vineyard guardians, saltari, hired by vineyard owners from the 16th through the 18th century to protect their grapes from thieves and bandits. With legal authority to shoot grape thieves on sight, the saltari were ready defenders of the vineyards. The choice of the name reflects the winery’s own dedication to defending tradition and expressing these vineyards’ unique terroir. Their goal is to emphasize the small, wine producing areas around Verona and enhance the local viticulture and winemaking.

The 2001 I Saltari Valpolicella Superiore D.O.C. is rich ruby red in color, with a complex bouquet of small berries, ranging from currants to blackberry jam, with hints of tobacco and leather. On the palate, it displays excellent structure with supple tannins and fruit flavors consistent with the nose. Its long finish is characterized by vanilla and cherry.

The 2000 I Saltari Amarone della Valpolicella D.O.C. is deep ruby in color with violet hues. It has a rich bouquet, with spice and hints of dried figs, wild cherry and herbs. Full bodied, it delivers raisiny flavors wrapped in supple tannins. It has a long finish with subtle balsamic notes.

Bernabei’s work with Sartori since 2003 marks a return to his roots: although he has lived in Tuscany for over 25 years, he was born in the Veneto, the region that includes Verona. He has established an outstanding reputation for his work with prestigious Italian wineries and winemakers to advance historic local wines including Verdicchio, Tocai, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Bernabei’s other recent projects have been in the “up and coming” areas of Southern Italy and Sardinia.

Both I Saltari wines will be released in limited markets (New York, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, California, Texas, Washington D.C., and Georgia) this spring and will be available exclusively at high-end restaurants and fine retailers.

I Saltari wines are imported exclusively by Banfi Vintners, the leading fine wine importer in the US. Founded by John Mariani, Sr. in 1919 and run today by his children and grandchildren, the privately held company has earned a stellar reputation for developing its tight, closely run portfolio of wines into category leaders.