Podere Pradarolo, located in the scenic hills of Varano de’ Melegari in Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy, spans over 60 hectares and has been a labor of love for Alberto and Claudia Carretti since 1989. Their journey into winemaking began with a commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, which they have meticulously followed ever since.

The estate also features a historic villa from the 1400s, adding a rich layer of heritage to their story and highlighting the Carrettis’ dedication to blending tradition with the principles of the natural wine movement. They cultivate local grape varieties such as Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Barbera, Termarina, and Spergola on soils of Cretaceous origin, rich in clays, sandstones, and limestones. This unique soil composition, combined with the region’s distinct microclimate, contributes to the complexity and character of their wines.

Podere Pradarolo’s wine-making process is deeply rooted in minimal intervention. They use only indigenous yeasts for fermentation, avoid additives, and practice extended macerations, sometimes lasting up to 9 months. Their wines are bottled without filtration, fining, or added sulfites, ensuring that each bottle is a pure expression of the terroir, authentic, and deeply connected to the land they come from.

Today, Podere Pradarolo stands as a testament to the Carretti family’s dedication to preserving traditional winemaking methods while embracing the natural wine movement.