Gialdi Vini SA: From wine trade to wine production
Gialdi Vini SA was founded in 1953 by Guglielmo Gialdi and began as a wine merchant. In 1984, his son Feliciano Gialdi started his own wine production with selected Merlot, focusing on the careful production of high-quality wines. With a clear vision, the company has continuously expanded its position as an important wine company in Ticino and is now one of the leading wine producers in Switzerland. Gialdi Vini SA offers a wide range of products that reflect the diversity and quality of its range. The annual production comprises several hundred thousand bottles, with bottling being a central element of the quality strategy.
The team is characterized by great passion and commitment to wine production, which is reflected in every step of the production process. Gialdi Vini is considered one of the top companies in Swiss viticulture and continuously invests in modern cellar technologies and the highest quality standards. Above all, the company’s comprehensive quality and diversity make Gialdi Vini an outstanding representative of the industry.
Today, it combines modern technology with regional standards. The company sites in Mendrisio and Bodio are equipped with advanced cellar technology that processes enormous quantities of grapes every year – from local grapes as well as from long-standing partners from the Leventina, Riviera and Blenio valleys, who supply grapes with a regional expression.
Terroir, viticulture and style
The Mendrisio region and the surrounding hills in the south of Ticino, especially the Mendrisiotto, provide the ideal setting: Plenty of sunshine, a favorable climate and varied soils make the region perfect for Merlot. The Mendrisiotto is known as one of the most important growing regions for high-quality wines. The classic Merlot grape has its center here. The Gialdi Vini range includes numerous red wines that impress with their intensity and complexity. The different lines, such as the Gialdi and Brivio lines, represent the diversity and origin of the wines. The wide range of aromas and flavors reflects the characteristics of the terroir. With a large selection of products, Gialdi Vini offers the right wine for every taste. The emotional experience of enjoying wine and the passion for winemaking take center stage – sometimes you can’t help but cry with joy or emotion when enjoying the wines. Gialdi Vini is proud to contribute to the wine diversity of the region with a special type of wine that stands out for its uniqueness. Gialdi Vini relies on close cooperation with winegrowers who have tended their vines for generations and bring the depth and freshness of the region into the bottle. Sustainability and biodiversity are part of the philosophy, as are investment in structure, technology and team.
Wine cellar, storage and production
The historic vaulted cellars in Mendrisio provide ideal conditions for ageing the wines: constant temperatures and natural ventilation from the mountains – a true example of Caveau Ticino quality. Some of these cellars are built directly into the Monte Generoso massif and benefit from the special climatic conditions of Monte Generoso. The circulating air currents in the Monte Generoso massif ensure a stable temperature and an ideal climate for wine storage. The wines are matured there in oak, with selected varieties being specially aged in barriques to develop special aromas and textures. The team led by Feliciano Gialdi and cellar master Alfred De Martin ensures structure, style and quality – supported by the knowledge of a dedicated team. The range also includes wines from Biasca as well as exclusive del Ticino DOC wines, which emphasize the origin and quality of the products.
Flagships and wine categories
Gialdi Vini produces around 30 wines in two main lines: Gialdi (with grapes from the northern Ticino, Sopraceneri) and Brivio (sites in the south, e.g. Leventina and Riviera). The wines are characterized by elegance, finesse and clear expressiveness. They are particularly well known:
- Merlot Sassi Grossi: Dominates in tastings with around 94-95 Falstaff points – powerful, fruity, long and round
- Merlot Riflessi d’Epoca, Platinum, Trentasei: all awarded several times with 93-96 Falstaff points
Only Merlot plays the leading role, supplemented by various specialties, depending on the vintage and positioning. The aim remains to express the local terroir with depth and elegance.
Environment and sustainability at Gialdi Vini
At Gialdi Vini SA, sustainability is far more than just a buzzword – it is firmly anchored in the company philosophy. Under the management of Feliciano Gialdi, son of the founder Guglielmo Gialdi, the company consistently relies on environmentally friendly and resource-conserving methods in all areas of wine production. The modern wineries in Mendrisio and Bodio are equipped with innovative technology that not only ensures the quality of wines such as the Ticino DOC Merlot, but also minimizes the company’s ecological footprint.
A central element of the sustainable strategy is the close cooperation with local winegrowers from the Ticino region, in particular from Leventina, the Riviera and the Blenio Valley. Through these partnerships, Gialdi Vini SA sources first-class grapes and at the same time supports the regional economy and the preservation of traditional viticultural culture. Investments in the wine cellars and the continuous development of production processes ensure that every Gialdi wine meets the highest standards – from the selection of the grapes to bottling.
The focus here is on innovative solutions such as the use of stainless steel tanks and barrique barrels for ageing the wines, including classics such as Merlot and the characterful Estro Rosso. This combination of modern technology and artisanal care makes it possible to preserve the natural aromas of the region while conserving resources. Energy efficiency measures in the cellars also help to make production as environmentally friendly as possible.
But sustainability at Gialdi Vini SA also means social responsibility. The company is actively involved in promoting the local community and supports initiatives that strengthen viticulture and wine production in Ticino. In this way, Gialdi Vini not only helps to preserve the regional identity, but also makes an important contribution to the economic and social development of the region.
With this comprehensive commitment, Gialdi Vini SA proves that high-quality wines such as the Ticino DOC can be produced in harmony with the environment, tradition and innovation. The combination of state-of-the-art technology, regional ties and social responsibility makes the company a pioneer in Swiss viticulture – and guarantees that every drop of Gialdi brings a real piece of Ticino to the glass.
Regional identity and future
Today, Gialdi Vini SA is a leader in Ticino viticulture – thanks to generational continuity and clear quality standards. The proximity to the region, the Bodio and Mendrisio center, the investments in infrastructure and team as well as the combination of viticulture and regional pride make the company a shining example of modern, yet traditionally rooted viticulture.
Frequently asked questions about Gialdi Vini
Who runs Gialdi Vini SA today?
The company was founded in 1953 by Guglielmo Gialdi and is now run by his son Feliciano, with strong support from cellar master Alfred De Martin and an experienced team.
What makes the Merlot wines from Gialdi Vini special?
Merlot from Ticino brings freshness, depth and structure. Top wines such as Sassi Grossi, Riflessi d’Epoca or Platinum show elegance and clarity of style – multi-award-winning and renowned for their balance.
What wine lines are there in the range?
Gialdi Vini produces in two main lines: “Gialdi” with grapes from the Sopraceneri and “Brivio” with grapes from southern Ticino. A total of around 30 characteristic wines are produced.
What characterizes the storage of the wines?
The wines mature in historic cellars in Mendrisio, some of which are built into the hills – with a constant temperature and natural ventilation. This ensures ideal conditions for ageing.
What role does the Ticino region play for Gialdi Vini?
Ticino, especially the terroir zones around Mendrisio, Leventina and Riviera, provides the hours of sunshine, soils and climate that characterize Gialdi wines. The connection with local winegrowing families reinforces the expression of origin and style.