A Legacy of Passion: The Story of Le Rive Winery

A Legacy of Passion: The Story of Le Rive Winery

Le Rive, a historical agricultural business founded in 1888 by the Bonato family, is a testament to the enduring love for land and tradition. Located in Negrisia di Ponte di Piave, Treviso, in the Veneto region of Italy, the winery sits just 40 kilometers from Venice. The Bonato family’s roots in Negrisia trace back to 1568, a legacy deeply embedded in the vine plantation traditions of the area.

The Heart of Tradition and Innovation

The foresight of the Bonato family’s ancestors laid the foundation for a thriving vineyard and wine production enterprise. Their passion and commitment to tradition have driven the family to continuously invest in renewing their wine cellar and vineyards. This dedication is exemplified by the efforts of Gino Bonato and his sons, Luigi and Andrea, who strive for quality through sacrifice, courageous choices, and persistence.

Le Rive’s vineyards, encompassing around 200 hectares across Treviso and Udine provinces, cultivate approximately 25 grape varieties, including Glera, Raboso, Manzoni Bianco, and Sauvignon. The winery utilizes modern techniques such as computerized drop irrigation and nighttime harvesting to maintain the optimal condition of the grapes.

Embracing Sustainability

Le Rive is not only about preserving tradition but also about fostering innovation. The winery collaborates with the University of Udine to develop wines from fungus-resistant grape varieties. This initiative significantly reduces environmental impact, aligning with Le Rive’s mission for sustainable viticulture. The result is the a-mors product line, a testament to their commitment to environmental sustainability.

A Historical Gem

One of the winery’s notable features is Zio Tino’s ancient vineyard of Raboso Piave, which dates back to 1875. This vineyard, a survivor of the Phylloxera epidemic and the Great War, still produces grapes using traditional methods. It symbolizes the perseverance and dedication of the Bonato family.

An Invitation to Taste

Visitors to Le Rive can enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting experience in their cozy tasting room. Here, guests can savor the winery’s diverse selection of wines, paired with local delicacies such as cold-cuts, Raboso jam, and cheese.

A Diverse Wine Selection

Le Rive offers a wide range of wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. From the delicate and fruity Chardonnay to the aromatic and elegant Ribolla Gialla, each wine is crafted with meticulous care. Highlights include:

  • Chardonnay: Dry with a delicate fruity perfume, ideal with fish dishes.
  • Pinot Grigio: Straw yellow with greenish nuances, perfect with light soups and fish dishes.
  • Manzoni Bianco: Soft, intense, and full-bodied, great with vegetable dishes and risottos.
  • Ribolla Gialla: Slightly aromatic with tropical fruit notes, excellent as an aperitif or with modern appetizers.

Red Wines and Spumante

Le Rive’s red wines, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, are characterized by their rich flavors and robust structures. The winery also produces exquisite spumante, including the versatile Prosecco D.O.C. Spumante and the elegant Prosecco DOC Rosé.

Conclusion

Le Rive stands as a beacon of tradition, quality, and innovation. The Bonato family’s unwavering dedication to their land and craft has created a legacy that continues to thrive, offering wine lovers around the world a taste of Veneto’s rich viticultural heritage.