Valpolicella, Veneto

La Formica

Since 1893

La Formica is a family estate in the hills of eastern Valpolicella, in the villages of Cellore d'Illasi and Tregnano. The story began in 1893, when Luigi Bonuzzi raised a votive shrine above the vineyards to ward off hail, and the Bonuzzi family farms here still. Their vines climb the limestone slopes at altitude, and the range runs the full Veneto repertoire: crisp Garganega for Soave, fresh Valpolicella, a richer Ripasso re-fermented on Amarone skins, and the grand, dried-grape Amarone itself, aged for years in oak. These are warm, generous northern-Italian wines made with an eye to value across the board.

There's a lovely story at the root of La Formica. In 1893, Luigi Bonuzzi raised a small votive shrine above his vineyards to ward off the hail that threatens every Veneto grower. More than a century later his family is still farming the same limestone slopes in the eastern hills of Valpolicella, around Cellore d'Illasi and Tregnano.

Their vines climb high, where altitude keeps things fresh, and the range walks the full length of the Veneto repertoire. Crisp Garganega for Soave, bright young Valpolicella, a richer Ripasso refermented on the spent Amarone skins, and at the summit the grand Amarone itself, made from dried grapes and given years in oak.

Warm, generous, deeply Italian wines, and genuinely good value at every rung of the ladder. A family estate with a long memory and an easy charm.

Wines currently available

Explore the wines currently available from this estate at Lamont's Cottesloe.

2025 Soave DOC

Garganega · Soave DOC · Veneto

$31 per bottle

La Formica is a family estate in the hills of eastern Valpolicella, growing since the Bonuzzi family raised a vineyard shrine here in 1893. Their Soave is pure Garganega from a limestone site, cool-fermented in steel to keep it crisp. White flowers, almond and ripe pear, a soft texture and a clean, gently saline finish. An easygoing northern-Italian white for everyday pleasure.

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2018 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

Corvina · Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG · Veneto

$93 per bottle

Amarone is the Veneto's grandest red, made from grapes dried for months to concentrate them before a long, slow fermentation. La Formica's is full and warming, aged for years in oak: dried black cherry and fig, chocolate and spice, a velvety palate and a long, bittersweet finish. Powerful yet balanced, it is a wine for cold nights, strong cheese and slow evenings.

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2023 Valpolicella DOC

Corvina · Valpolicella DOC · Veneto

$35 per bottle

This is Valpolicella in its freshest form, a blend of Corvina and Rondinella aged in steel to keep the fruit lively. Bright red cherry and a hint of almond and spice, light-bodied and brisk, it is best with a slight chill and a casual plate. The easy, thirst-quenching face of the Veneto.

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Enquiries and future availability

Interested in a wine from this estate that isn't currently listed? Contact us about availability and future shipments.

Email: store@lamontscott.com.au | Phone: 9385 0666