The amazing history of GLV company (GLV from the names of the three partners Giuseppe, Luigi and Vincenzo), today 600 grotte Wine Company, began in 2006 with a very ambitious goal: to recover and enhance an ancient and rare black grape vineyard, called Guarnaccino variety, native in Chiaromonte area, in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata, in the heart of Pollino National Park. In fact, throughout the area, there were only 20 feet of this variety mixed with other varieties.
Thanks to the work of Dr. Luigi Lauria, who gave us this interview, to his two partners and to the support of the CNA (italian agricultural association), a long research activity started in the area to have full control of the situation.
During the experimentation cycle they realized that many of the plants that were called Guarnaccino actually belonged to other known varieties and so, comparing these with those that were different and not belonging to any classification, in 2013, finally, the real Guarnaccino was identified, classified as new vine variety and registered in the register of vines of Italy.
Thus in 2014 GLV company was founded, which can count on 5 total hectares of vineyards, all in Chiaromonte area, of which about 2 hectares of Guarnaccino in Capriccio di Chiaromonte, from 470 to 500 meters above sea level with South-South East exposure, to which are added 1850 feet of Guarnaccino in experimental fields authorized by the Basilicata Region.
In the remaining hectares, the production is focused on international vines to verify their winemaking skills in the Chiaromonte area; in addition to Fiano, Traminer, Tocai and Chardonnay.
Briefly told his story, we now ask Dr. Lauria how he met our company and why he decided to make use of our products for this adventure full of passion and love for his territory. Here is his answer: “I discovered Valente company while talking to winemakers friends of great experience who knew it and reviewed it very positively. So I contacted them and I was immediately struck by the dedication, seriousness and availability which they have developed the projects of the plants and the related commercial offers. They have a way of working that meets the customers needs, thanks to the continuous explanations and the availability of their local agent, Mr. Pino Menga.”
“As far as products are concerned”, he continues, “it immediately seemed to us a very technological and innovative company; we were very impressed, for example, by the EVO steel head posts and their hooks to anchor the wires in a practical and flexible way. We found the prices absolutely in line with the market, especially considering the support and continuous assistance that Mr. Menga. When it is followed in such a professional way the price, however excellent, becomes less important.”
We welcome these beautiful words and we ask the question about the quality of the products: “Excellent” – answers Dr. Lauria – “the products are acting very well, nothing to say. The posts are perfect, no signs of rust or corrosion.”
At this point we can only ask Dr. Lauria what are, in short, the strengths of Valente: “Certainly the technical solutions, with poles in the first place, functional and flexible both for those who make the mechanized collection and for who makes it manual, like us. Then, but not less important, the willingness to follow the client, to explain what is being done and why, dispelling every possible doubt. And finally, the appropriate prices and flexibility in the solutions.”
We can only thank Dr. Lauria for the nice words and for the trust given to our company. His project linked to the territory, the dedication and the passion that puts in his work deserve the best!
A little fun-fact: why the name 600 grotte (= caves)? Dr. Lauria answers: “600 are the caves, from which the company logo, carved into the rock, over a period of time covering six centuries, from 1300 to 1900, exposed to the north of the town of Chiaromonte, characteristic of the country , harvested on the rocky spur where, thanks to the natural and ideal conditions of humidity and temperature, the grapes present in the territory were transformed and the wines were refined in barrels. The caves, in their suggestive atmosphere, can still be visited today and represent an inestimable heritage of this land.”