Pellagroso - Italy

Antonio Camazzola is a former restauranteur from the Nothern Italian province of Mantua (Mantova in Italian) whose passion for wine outgrew food, so much so that he started his own winery, Pellagroso.

The idea started with a belief in the terroir of his native Northern Mantova, which has all of the components to making great wine, from soil, to weather, to a long time tradition, even if it has not (yet) reached international fame. Interestingly, the winemaking region traditionally grows a lot of French grapes, thanks to Franciacorta “Italian champagne” region just east of them, plus they grow many grapes you find in neighboring Valpolicella, known for Amarone, the rich red appassimento style of wine grown just north east to Pellagroso, around the city of Verona. Hence, many of his wines are blends of these grapes along with some other native grapes thrown in.

Pellagroso represents a blending of traditions which has created its own identity, thanks not only to Antonio’s commited passion, but also that of his partner, Sharom Messori of Foligodia, who are certified biodynamic and making sincere natural wines.

Why the name Pellagroso? It is the name of a local 19th-century newspaper that fought for a new way of life and agriculture. Today, Antonio embodies that same rebellious spirit, crafting authentic natural wines that are truly from the earth. He oversees every step, from tending the vineyards to the final winemaking, with a deep commitment to the purity of his wines. The result is a stunning line of biodynamic and natural wines that offer a vibrant and unadulterated taste of the terroir.