WHO WE ARE

The ALTAVIA farm was founded in 2002 by the idea of ​​two friends: Gianni Arlotti and Savino Luca Formentini. Savino Luca wants to buy some vineyards in Argentina, Gianni instead, rooted in the Ligurian territory from his origins, much closer: in Dolceacqua, in the province of Imperia.

Both love Rossese, an indigenous grape variety of western Liguria and, exploring the area, they are interested in the land of Arcagna, which has always been referred to as the heart of the Rossese di Dolceacqua controlled denomination. With great tenacity they manage to buy five hectares of land in Arcagna from the local farmers. The Altavia vineyards extend on the heights that divide the Nervia valley from the Roya valley, near the French border, right at the beginning of the ALTA VIA, from which the company takes its name, an ancient salt road that runs transversely all of Liguria from Ventimiglia to La Spezia. The soil is characterized by the Ventimiglia flysch, which indicates a thin, clayey soil with sandstone formation and which contains mineral and vegetable substances.

When the new vineyards are planted, the challenge with the territory arises: we want to diversify the qualities of the vineyards grown in the area, and therefore in addition to Rossese and Vermentino, we want to expand the range of grapes produced. The inspiration comes from neighboring France, from the Cote du Rhone, the production site of some of the most famous French 'vin since'. Precisely for this reason, Syrah, Viognier and Carignano are planted in the 5 hectares of the property. The ambitious dream of the two friends soon becomes reality.

Today Altavia is a modern winery that also benefits from the experience of Federico Curtaz, oenologist and agronomist who, with great experience and passion, takes care of and follows the wines of the company. The vinification takes place in steel and oak barrels. Production is around 40,000 bottles per year. Today Altavia is under the direction of Savino's sister, Chiara Formentini.