Carlo Speri, a central figure in Valpolicella viticulture. A historic protagonist in the establishment of Amarone in the world, passed away on January 6 at the age of 85. The funeral took place on January 9 in the parish church of Santa Maria di Negrar. The community gathered around his wife Ivana, children Laura, Chiara and Luca, their respective spouses, grandchildren and all family members, in a collective embrace that restored the measure of the affection and esteem that had matured over a lifetime.
A pillar of the Pedemonte winery and representative of the fifth generation of the family. Carlo Speri has led the Speri winery since 1964, accompanying it on a steady growth to its current 65 hectares in Valpolicella Classica. With an organic choice that has become an integral part of the winery’s identity.
Visionary but deeply tied to his roots, Speri has been able to combine tradition and innovation, defending the role of small farms and an idea of territory based on sharing and the common good. He held numerous institutional positions, including presidency of the Consorzio di Tutela Vini della Valpolicella (1984-1993). Decisive years for the recognition of Amarone as an autonomous wine with respect to dry Recioto. In 2009 he was among the founders of the Association of Historic Families, established to protect and enhance the historical identity of the territory.
The wine world remembers him as a man of great integrity, dialogue and vision, capable of leaving a profound mark not only on the production level but also on the human level. With his passing, Valpolicella loses one of its most influential custodians, but there remains a legacy of wine, values and relationships destined to last.
