Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the approximately 1 ha Il Costolo vineyard, situated on a gentle southwest-facing slope at 250 m above sea level. Red grape varieties were planted there in 2001. The site has a high-altitude climate.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand during the first half of October, selected in the vineyard and dried in crates in a dedicated drying room. Fermentation takes place in contact with the skins, with daily pumping over and délestage to extract colour, flavour and aroma.
Ageing
The wine matures for two years in barriques, followed by two years in 25 hl Slavonian oak casks.
Tasting profile
The wine is elegant, with a generous, expressive aroma of ripe fruit. The palate is pleasantly fresh, with a distinct touch of tannic bitterness.
Label / history
The estate was founded in 1832. Although it has always been known locally as Vallena, the land registry records the place as Villa Lena, probably because of a registration error. Special labels from Vallena wines made in the early 20th century have survived; they served as marks of recognition on bottles that had won awards at international competitions.
Until 1960, the land surrounding the villa produced goods including polenta, wheat and oil. Wine production resumed during the 1960s, when Gianfranco Tomezzoli, father of the current owner, converted the land to vineyards. The oldest of these dates to 1968. The grapes were initially sold to other producers, and the estate began producing Amarone under its own name with the 2010 harvest. Today, Stefano Cesari and his sons Lamberto and Antonio of Brigaldara oversee the winery, which is certified to the Equilitas 3E sustainability standard.
