Our next wine dinner will feature Pra winery one of the top producers in the Veneto region of Italy in the shadow of the Alps. Although the winery was only started in the early 1980’s it has come to be known as not only one of the benchmarks in the Soave appellation, but also one of the most important and visionary white wine producers in all of Italy (now expanding into red wine as well)! The winery is run by Graziano Prà, whose family owned their vineyards for generations but never produced wine, choosing to sell their fruit to the local cooperative which was the tradition in the region. Graziano has always been a big believer in natural viticulture and its positive effect on the wines and has farmed organically since the outset. The terroir in Monteforte d’Alpone in Soave features classic, very black, volcanic soils which help to impart an underlying power and minerality to the wines. Although Graziano Prà is best known for his whites, it is his red wines from Valpolicella that may be a bigger revelation. He purchased these vineyards which are located at around 450 meters, because the soils contain a high percentage of active limestone. So while most wines from this region are about power, ripeness and brawn, especially the Amarone, Prà’s reds have a bright freshness and mineral core. And speaking of truly unique, the man himself, Graziano Prà, is also truly a one of a kind. He is most definitely a ‘man of the earth”, with humble roots, a warm smile, and his feet firmly planted on the ground. That said, he is also a man of quiet precision, which shows in the quality and consistency of the broad range of wines he produces. If he were in a more ‘famous’ appellation, he would probably be considered a major rock star. But, no worries, he has Soave and Valpolicella running though his veins, and he likes it best that way!

Cost of the dinner is $99 for four courses including wines. Limited space available. Please call (970) 279-5199 or email Robin robin@freerangebasalt.com for reservations. Salute, Steve and Robin