Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
A Valpolicella Ripasso from the Verona area, associated with basaltic and volcanic soils. The grapes are harvested at full ripeness.
Vinification
Valpolicella red wine is passed over the marc left from Amarone production. This ripasso process enriches the wine’s strength, smoothness, aromatic intensity and persistence.
Technical data
Alcohol: 13.5% vol. The wine comes in a 750 ml Burgundy bottle weighing 550 g. Recommended serving temperature is 16–18°C, and cellar potential is 1–5 years.
Tasting profile
Vivid ruby red. The aromatic profile combines cherries, strawberries, plums and small berries with roses, rosemary, hazelnuts, pepper and other spices. Vanilla and chocolate mingle with toasted nuances and a coffee-bean background. The palate balances softness and minerality, with generous intensity, sustained persistence and a silky, velvety dry finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18°C. The wine suits white and red meats, game, cheese and richly flavoured dishes. Suggested pairings include stewed lentils, cheese fondue, sweet-and-sour tofu with spicy peppers, beef tenderloin with mushrooms, beef stew with potatoes, pappardelle with hare ragù, spiced porchetta sandwiches with honey sauce and mature Asiago. Further suggestions include chili con carne, Japanese-style duck breast, moussaka, stuffed rabbit, grilled Asiago with walnuts, goulash, pasta with sausage ragù, pork loin with plums, and calzone with sausage and peppers.
Label / history
Casa Defrà derives from Casa dei Fratelli Cielo, the family farmhouse at the foot of the Colli Vicentini. The family planted its first vineyard there in 1908, beginning a wine project now extending across four generations.
