Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from the Monte Sant’Urbano estate in Fumane. This hillside site lies at 280–350 m above sea level and benefits from excellent sun exposure. The vines have a high average age. Calcareous-clayey soil of volcanic origin retains moisture and limits excessive dryness. The Verona pergola-trained vines grow on terraces supported by dry-stone marogne.
Grapes
70% Corvina Veronese and Corvinone, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara.
Vinification
For 2018, the finest bunches were manually selected between 20 September and 8 October and dried for 110 days under controlled temperature, humidity and ventilation. The grapes lost around 45% of their initial weight during appassimento. They were crushed and destemmed with a roller machine on 7 January 2019. Maceration lasted 28 days in stainless steel at 16–18°C, with periodic pump-overs and délestage. The skins were separated on 4 February, after which alcoholic and malolactic fermentation were completed in 50 hl oak casks.
Ageing
The wine ages for 24 months in 500 L Allier oak tonneaux and a further 18 months in 20–40 hl oak casks; the main wine page identifies the second stage as medium-to-large Slavonian oak. The main page also specifies 12 months of bottle maturation.
Technical data
The 2018 technical sheet records 15.3% alcohol, 3.7 g/L residual sugar, 5.2 g/L total acidity and 0.48 g/L volatile acidity. Formats are 375 ml, 750 ml, 1500 ml, 3000 ml and 5000 ml.
Tasting profile
Deep garnet red. The ethereal bouquet is marked by dried fruit. The palate is full-bodied, warm, enveloping and dry, combining vigorous structure with elegance and a profile suited to long ageing.
Serving and pairing
Serve with richly flavoured red-meat dishes, braised meats, game and mature cheeses. It can also be enjoyed by itself at the end of dinner.
Vintage notes
For 2018, appassimento lasted 110 days and reduced grape weight by approximately 45%. The broader production description gives around 100 days and about 40% weight loss.
