Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from selected parcels within 36 ha of hillside vineyards in Marano di Valpolicella, in the Valpolicella area of Verona, Veneto. The vineyards lie at 300 m on limestone-based, calcareous Eocene soils and are planted at 3,000 vines per hectare. Training combines pergoletta semplice and Guyot. The English description gives a south-east exposure, while the Italian version gives south-west.
Grapes
Corvina Veronese and Corvinone Veronese 80%, Rondinella 20%. The finest bunches are picked and selected by hand at the end of September, with particular attention to sugar and polyphenolic maturity. Only sound grapes with high sugar concentration are chosen.
The fruit undergoes traditional natural drying from the end of September for about 100 days. This reduces its weight by 35–40%, with careful monitoring to preserve the integrity and health of every bunch.
Vinification
The dried grapes are softly pressed in December or January. Temperature-controlled fermentation follows, with 30 days of skin maceration.
Ageing
Ageing lasts 18–24 months depending on the vintage, entirely in new, medium-toast barriques made from Allier French oak. The wine then develops for a further six months in bottle.
Technical data
Alcohol: 16.2% vol. Total acidity: 5.7 g/L. Residual sugar: 6 g/L. Net dry extract: 35 g/L.
Tasting profile
Deep, intense red with violet highlights. The aromatic profile opens in a highly perfumed register before developing notes of dried fruit, blueberry, spices and black pepper. The palate is elegant and complex, with rich flavour and persistent length.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 17–18 °C and uncork one hour in advance. Pair with game, char-grilled or braised meats and fully mature or hard cheeses. It is also suited to contemplative drinking on its own.
