OUR STORY

Azienda Agricola ALTAVIA was founded in 2002 by two friends: Gianni Arlotti and Savino Luca Formentini.

Savino Luca wanted to buy vineyards in Argentina, Gianni instead, rooted in the Ligurian territory since its origins, much closer: in Dolceacqua , in the province of Imperia. Both of them love Rossese, an autochthonous vine of the western part of Liguria, and by patrolling the area they are interested in the land of Arcagna , which has always been indicated as the heart of the controlled denomination of Rossese di Dolceacqua. With great tenacity they manage to buy five hectares of land in Arcagna from the farmers of the area. The vineyards of Altavia extend over the hills that divide the Nervia valley from the Roya valley, near the French border, right at the beginning of the HIGHWAY, from which the farm takes its name, an ancient salt road that crosses all of Liguria from Ventimiglia to La Spezia. The soil is characterised by the flysch of Ventimiglia, which indicates a thin, clayey soil, with sandstone formation and containing 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 cultivated in the area, and therefore, in addition to Rossese and Vermentino, we want to expand the range of grapes produced. The inspiration comes from nearby France, from the Cote du Rhone , place of production of some of the most famous 'vin fin' in France. For this reason in the 5 hectares of the property, Syrah, Viognier and Carignano are planted. The ambitious dream of the two friends soon becomes reality. Today Altavia is a modern winery that also makes use of the experience of Federico Curtaz, oenologist and agronomist who, with great experience and passion, takes care and follows the wines of the company.

The vinification takes place in steel and oak barrels. The production is about 40 000 bottles per year.

Today Altavia is under the direction of Savino's sister, Chiara Formentini.