Valpantena, the name for the hillsides where this wine was grown, means valley of the gods. It is also the only cru sub-zone in Valpo. This blends 80% corvina veronese with 20% rondinella, with select ripe bunches sent to the drying rooms of the winery in Grezzana, where they are laid out in single-layer crates. In mid-January, the grapes are destemmed, crushed, and fermented. A part ages in Slavonian oak barrels, with the remainder in barriques for about 30 months. After bottling, this rests for a minimum of six months before release. As expected, this all yields a concentrated, dense, rich and intense wine, with sweet dark blackberries, kirsch, raspberry cordial on a plump palate, padded by raisins and studded with peppercorns. Tannins are sticky and the finish is very warm, at 15.5 degrees. This would work alongside rich blue cheese dishes.
July 2019