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Valpolicella DOC 2022
Brigaldara's Valpolicella is mainly made from Corvina and Corvinone grapes. The timing of the harvest is very important for this wine, so that its flavours are very delicate and its sensory balance is influenced by the precisely measured acidity. It expresses the characteristic flavours of the valley: from cherries to spicy notes, which are more or less pronounced depending on the vintage. Its beautiful and radiant balance is achieved by a short maturation in steel, which perfectly enhances its sensory characteristics. SUPERIORE.DE
"This wine is a classic example of Valpolicella with aromas of fresh raspberries and dried cranberries mixed with thyme, sage and forest floor leading to a lively palate. Driven by sour cherries, the palate is indulgent and generous, and the more it opens up, the more spicy and floral notes add complexity." Wine Enthusiast
"The 2022 Valpolicella is wonderfully fresh, with a gorgeous blend of violets and roses giving way to muddled blackberries and an air of crushed chalk. Incredibly pure, this flows across the palate with a juicy wave of ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes crisp, with a tart cranberry concentration and inner florals that linger on." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 55% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 6 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2027+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 28,20 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,65 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,60 g/l
- Sulfite: 82 mg/l
- pH value: 3,47
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03352622 · 0,75 l · 13,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Monti Garbi” Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 2020
Dark shining ruby garnet. In the nose elegant spice of cloves, pepper, then ripe Amarena cherries and some violets. Opens very soft and creamy on the palate, polished tannins, pleasant and uncomplicated on the tongue, juicy and slightly salty on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE
"Aromas of nutty red fruit and vanilla follow through to a medium-bodied palate with some very fine-grained tannins that are sinking below the surface nicely. Bright, almost steely finish. Still needs another year to show its best." James Suckling
"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Monti Garbi is wickedly spice and intense, opening with a whiff of crushed ashen stone and smokey black cherries. Its textures are silky and pure, with a savory mix of sour wild berries and salty mineral tones. This finishes with tremendous length yet energetic, leaving black currant and mocha hints to linger." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 10% Croatina
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 12 months new/used barrique
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2027+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 41,65 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,85 g/l
- Residual sugar: 7,38 g/l
- Sulfite: 117 mg/l
- pH value: 3,59
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03172120 · 0,75 l · 15,87 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Valpolicella DOC 2022
This traditional cuvée is already inspiring in its youth. Made from outstanding grapes, you can taste the ripe fruit and richness of the three classic vineyards. Deep ruby-garnet colour with violet reflections. Full bouquet of ripe cherries, some plum, herbs and orange zest. Juicy and complex on the finish, very long finish with a fine salt vein and subtle fruit sweetness. Drinkable! SUPERIORE.DE
"The nose of this fresh Valpolicella is characterised by pretty and superficially fresh floral notes, followed by tangy notes of red berries and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, fresh cherries, mixed herbs and undergrowth - all well balanced - give the wine a lightness and at the same time a complexity that keeps you coming back for more." Wine Enthusiast
"The 2022 Valpolicella Classico wafts up with a sweetly scented bouquet of dusty violets and roses, giving way to confectionary spice and crushed cherries. This is juicy in style, with crisp wild berry fruits and minty herbal tones accelerated by juicy acidity. It finishes long and perfumed, with a coating of gentle tannin that adds lovely punctuation. The 2022 is a beautifully refined Valpolicella." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 70% Corvina, 30% Rondinella
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 5 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2027+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 31,85 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,35 g/l
- Residual sugar: 3,70 g/l
- Sulfite: 70 mg/l
- pH value: 3,50
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03012122 · 0,75 l · 16,53 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Regolo” Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC 2020
Pure Corvina from the Classico core zone with extraordinary substance and a full flavour of blueberry, blackberry, violet and mint. The juicy, spicy flavour with a beautiful fruity sweetness, dense tannins and fresh acidity makes it a pleasure to drink. Concentrated, complex and very juicy. SUPERIORE.DE
"The Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Regolo 2020 is unobtrusive in the glass and exudes nuances of dusty rose, cinnamon and black cherry. It is soft and round, with a fine texture and crisp red and blue fruit flavours. It finishes with a hint of orange and a spicy herbal flavour. Gently grippy tannins linger on." Vinous
"On the nose, the red fruits are characterised by a smoky oak note, which also characterises the medium-bodied palate and the lingering finish. But the fruit is nicely packaged and the tannins are well placed." James Suckling
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Corvina
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2027+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
venison, roast beef - Total extract: 32,95 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,82 g/l
- Residual sugar: 6,85 g/l
- Sulfite: 115 mg/l
- pH value: 3,36
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03032120 · 0,75 l · 17,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Delara” Montebaldo Bardolino DOC 2021
Delara is Guerrieri Rizzardi's new Bardolino cru from the single vineyard Montebaldo. Bardolino Delara exudes a wonderfully fresh bouquet of wild strawberries, roses, blood oranges and wet stones. It is pure and airy with beautiful mineral red fruits and a hint of spice. The wine finishes with peppery, floral notes and a hint of residual acidity that gives it a lovely energy. SUPERIORE.DE
"It is flavoursome with notes of dried cranberries, sour cherries, citrus peel and spices. Light and juicy, with a delicious acidity. Refreshing and savoury." James Suckling
"Translucent in color, the 2021 Montebaldo Bardolino Delara is spicy, with a bouquet that mixes white pepper, lavender and crushed blackberries. This is soft textured with juicy acidity and crisp wild berry fruits, impressing with its energy and chalky mineral tones. It finishes remarkably fresh and long, leaving a hint of tart raspberry to slowly fade." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 95% Corvina, 5% Rondinella
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 12 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2028+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,68 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,13 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,40 g/l
- Sulfite: 85 mg/l
- pH value: 3,50
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03242821 · 0,75 l · 18,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Pojega” Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC 2021
Pojega is a historic vineyard next to the famous Pojega garden, which was purchased by the Rizzardi family in the 17th century. This single-vineyard Valpolicella skilfully combines the fruitiness and aromatic richness of the traditional grape, enhanced by the Ripasso method, with a well-proportioned body and exceptional finesse. Great value with an almost magnetic attraction! SUPERIORE.DE
"A hint of white pepper and chilli chocolate to the ripe red berries and cherries. Fresh and juicy on the palate with a medium body and some firm, assertive tannins. Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella." James Suckling
"The 2021 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Pojega wafts up with a pretty blend of dried cherries and autumnal spice. This is round and supple, with juicy acidity, soft textures and ripe wild berry fruits offset by a hint of orange peel. It finishes with youthful tension, savory and unexpectedly fresh, leaving a pleasantly bitter sensation that lingers. The Pojega is a beautiful Ripasso that colors within the lines of balance." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 45% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, 10% Merlot
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: barrique and large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2028
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,65 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,42 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,82 g/l
- Sulfite: 92 mg/l
- pH value: 3,48
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03242221 · 0,75 l · 18,53 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Brentino” Rosso Veneto IGT 2021
Brentino, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a great wine at a comparatively low price. Ruby red with garnet reflections, the bouquet is fruity with ripe berries, some hay and liquorice. The complex flavour is full and long-lasting with aromas of cassis and a little vanilla. SUPERIORE.DE
"A lunchtime-style claret. Cheeky freshness, crunchy red fruit and a hint of garden herbs add zest and flavour. Delicious to drink. Best enjoyed with a light chill." James Suckling
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Brentino is perfumed and highly aromatic, with a burst of dusty rose and lavender that segues into crushed blackberry and a hint of orange zest. Ripe forest fruits wash over the palate, underscored by salty minerals and a hint of spice, and the wine is seamless and silky. It leaves you wanting more and finishes long and colourful, with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste that keeps me coming back to the glass. The 2021 wants to please." Vinous
"A zesty, medium- to full-bodied red, with generous milled pepper and Mediterranean macchia notes accenting bright black plum and cherry fruit flavors. Reveals supple tannins, which lend a chewy structure and firm the finish." Wine Spectator
read more- Grape Varieties: 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 12 months 50/50 barrique/stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 25,00 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,25 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,30 g/l
- Sulfite: 54 mg/l
- pH value: 3,61
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03083021 · 0,75 l · 18,53 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Soave Classico DOC 2022 (BIO)
The straw-yellow Soave Classico has a light, floral aroma of citrus, apple, jasmine and elderberry. Soft and creamy on the palate with subtle almond tones and a mineral vein, all embedded in a fresh, crisp acidity. A lively, sophisticated white wine with an aromatic character and a flavoursome bite. SUPERIORE.DE
"The Soave Classico 2022 seduces with a blend of lime-soaked apples, chamomile and sea spray. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by crisp fruit and citrus peel, all driven by juicy acidity. It finishes remarkably fresh and youthfully taut, with a hint of candied lemon that leaves the mouth watering and wanting more. The 2022 is a seductress." Vinous
"Stone fruit and an acidity characterised by white pepper. Beautiful depth. Medium-bodied, very versatile and savoury with a long, juicy finish. The screw cap emphasises the precision." James Suckling
"Lifting out of the glass like a rocket, the aromas of this Soave are vibrant and fresh with notes of fresh peaches, pear, acacia and wet stone. Mouthwatering with tart apricot and bright orchard fruit flavors finishing with crunchy acidity and intense minerality." Wine Enthusiast
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Garganega
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: twist lock
- Food recommendations
gnocchi with tomatoes and cheese flakes, pasta e fasoi (pasta with beans), risotto with peas - Total extract: 23,70 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,75 g/l
- Residual sugar: 3,00 g/l
- Sulfite: 73 mg/l
- pH value: 3,10
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑016
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03100222 · 0,75 l · 18,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 2021
Brigaldara's Ripasso is created by the secondary fermentation of Valpolicella wine on the pomace of Amarone della Valpolicella. The contact between the Valpolicella wine and the Amarone marc, which is still rich in sugar, triggers a new fermentation. Bright ruby red colour. Bright and cheerful with aromas reminiscent of dried cherry, plum, pear and apricot. This wine shows plenty of bright fruit definition with subtle hints of tobacco, spice and rose petal. The finish is smooth, polished and soft in tannin structure. Very structured and balanced, gaining complexity with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE
"The 2021 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso impresses with its remarkable freshness, as steeped plums come together with sweet spices, wildflowers and tangerine zest. This is surprisingly juicy and lifted in style yet still quite deep, with masses of tart wild berry fruits and saline mineral tones guided by bright acidity. It tapers off with a lively tension and a tart orange twist that keeps the mouth watering for more. This is a gorgeous Ripasso that finishes at just 0.6 grams-per-liter of residual sugar." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 55% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 18 months in large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2029+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 31,50 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,95 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,60 g/l
- Sulfite: 85 mg/l
- pH value: 3,55
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03352921 · 0,75 l · 21,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Case Vecie” Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2021
Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie is made mainly from Corvina and Corvinone grapes. It takes its name from the vineyard of the same name in Grezzana, where the ripening of the grapes is subject to strong temperature fluctuations between day and night: a climatic peculiarity that gives the wine a special spiciness on the nose and a completely unique polyphenol profile. Bright ruby red in colour with notes of cherries, vanilla and spices. Beautiful fruit and acidity on the palate, wonderfully balanced body. Juicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE
"Medium carmine red colour. A little Amarone-like with dried dark cherries, as if it had walked over the skins of Amarone. A hint of dried fruit. Peppery and with a hint of oak. No doubt, we are in Valpolicella. Smooth and generous without being heavy. Such a pleasant wine." Jancis Robinson
"The Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie 2021 is particularly floral and airy, with a lively bouquet of dusty roses, dried strawberries and a hint of sour orange. It is a paragon of purity, with crisp red berry fruit and tactile mineral notes accompanied by juicy acidity. The 2021 finishes incredibly fresh, revealing a pleasant, crisp tannin as the tart cherry notes slowly fade away. The Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie from a single vineyard is simply stunning and is produced without the appassimento process." Vinous
"This producer is one of the best of the region, opting for a more traditional approach. This ups the ante. Exotic notes of orange peel, cloves, tamarind, cardamom and sweet red currants, with some hints of partially dehydrated grapes. Good, sappy length." James Suckling
"This Valpolicella rises from the glass with fresh aromas of wild cherries and red plums that give way to violets, rosemary and fresh earth. The palate is bright with ripe red berries, allspice, vanilla, black tea and sweet and savoury spices, finishing with an electric acidity that refreshes the palate after every sip." Wine Enthusiast
read more- Grape Varieties: 39% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 31% Rondinella
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 6 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2029
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,20 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,60 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,40 g/l
- Sulfite: 80 mg/l
- pH value: 3,47
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03352821 · 0,75 l · 21,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Massifitti” Trebbiano Veronese IGT 2020 (BIO)
Massifitti - a single-varietal and very sophisticated Trebbiano matured in stainless steel - has a pleasantly fresh and broad aroma of yellow apples with restrained smoky and spicy notes. The palate is full of harmony, very flavourful and has a salty, mineral final. SUPERIORE.DE
"Peach candy, fresh Fuji apples and pressed wildflower aromas define the nose of this pretty and worthwhile white. Bright and fresh on the palate with notes of green apple, lemon peel and white peach that are contrasted with crunchy acidity, sea salt and a hint of lemon balm on the elegant finish." Wine Enthusiast
"The Trebbiano Massifitti 2020 is incredibly fresh, emerging from the glass with a mix of savoury herbs, dried flowers, ginger spice and dried peaches. It is round and soothing, with a savoury core of minerality and a depth of tart fruit and citrus tones, all led by a lively acidity. The Massifitti has a long finish and leaves a lemony concentration that tickles the cheeks - wonderfully balanced and a good foundation for further ageing." Vinous
"Pure Trebbiano di Soave, processed only in steel, from the Cru Fittà, in the centre of the Classica zone. The nose opens with notes of citrus thyme, then abate pear, jasmine and hints of wild mint. Salty on the palate, with a balsamic return." Luca Gardini
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Trebbiano
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 15 months stainless steel on the yeast
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2029
- Closure: twist lock
- Total extract: 24,50 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,60 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,50 g/l
- Sulfite: 90 mg/l
- pH value: 2,90
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑016
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03100620 · 0,75 l · 21,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Il Bianco From Black to White” Veneto IGT 2020
There are no fixed rules at Zýmē, only the pursuit of experimentation to offer a unique and honest experience that also conveys the character of each individual vintage. Il Bianco From Black to White (sealed with a glass cork) opens with a golden colour and a whitish sheen typical of grapes that have no skin contact. The predominant grape variety is Rondinella Bianca, a mutation that was only discovered by chance in the vineyards of Zýmē and is unique in Italy.
The fresh bouquet has aromas of citrus fruits, honeydew melon, star jasmine and sour grapefruit. The palate is uniquely different, but silky and very flavoursome with a medium body, while ripe apples and nectarines are stimulated by juicy acidity and a hint of green citrus fruit. The tension builds with each successive glass, a slightly tropical note is added in the final, together with salty minerals and lingering spice, From Black to White also clearly expresses its deserved place in Celestino Gaspari's exceptional portfolio, because it is a white gem full of character and purity! SUPERIORE.DE
"Rich straw yellow with green reflections. Seductive, intense aroma of mandarins and jasmine on the nose, with some rose and elderflower in the background. Clear and precise on the palate, harmonious, animating, well-integrated acidity, some fleur de sal on the lingering final." Falstaff
"The 2020 Il Bianco From Black to White wafts up, sweetly floral with candied citrus, raw almond and vanilla bean. It soothes with a soft textural wave of ripe orchard fruits as lime zest adds a reverberation of tension. The 2020 tapers off spicy and crisp, leaving cooling mineral tones and an almost crunchy sensation. Always unique and consistently one of the best values from the Zymé portfolio." Vinous
"Lime and lemon peel on the nose, with notes of white flowers and wet stones. Medium-bodied with plenty of fresh flavour extension and good length. A very flavoursome white this year." James Suckling
read more- Grape Variety: 60% Rondinella Bianca, 15% Gold Traminer, 15% Kerner and 10% Incrocio Manzoni
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 6 months stainless steel on fine yeast
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: glass closure
- Food recommendations
haddock, risotto with asparagus - Total extract: 20,00 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,20 g/l
- Residual sugar: 4,00 g/l
- Sulfite: 87 mg/l
- pH value: 3,30
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03370120 · 0,75 l · 22,53 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“La Bandina” Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2019
Dark ruby red. La Bandina is a parade Valpolicella with a very complex, nuanced bouquet of small wild berries, cherries, liquorice and tobacco. Fresh, balsamic and warm on the palate with a dark bouquet of wild berries, chocolate, coffee and plum. A long finish with a very balanced acidity-tannin structure and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE
"Medium ruby red with garnet reflections. In the nose of lush raspberry and ripe forest berries, some spice and leather in the aftertaste. On the palate fruity-sweet and with light spice, with well-integrated tannin, persistent final." Falstaff
"The freshest vintage of this wine I have ever tasted. Wonderful acidity. Plum skins and scent of bruised rose petals. Deep thyme-scented cherry fruit; tannins that feel as fine but also as firm as slightly unripe cherry fruit; the scent of rose petal tea, of rooibos; the pungency of blood orange. Lovely depth on the finish with the fragrant zest and freshness of lavender." Jancis Robinson
"Fresh nose of plum fruit, along with pressed flowers, clean minerals and a hint of citrus. Opens on the palate, adding a mushroomy note to the profile that carries through to the finish. Medium-bodied with fine, unobtrusive tannins." James Suckling
"The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore La Bandina opens with a dusting of exotic spice, giving way to grilled sage and black cherries. This is remarkably pure and elegant in style, with silky textures ushering in rose-tinged red fruits as a black pepper hint emerges toward the close. Framing tannins punctuate the red beautifully as the single-vineyard La Bandina finishes spicy with an air of lavender that lingers." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, 5% Oseleta
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 24 months tonneau
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2030+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 33,55 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,78 g/l
- Residual sugar: 7,75 g/l
- Sulfite: 92 mg/l
- pH value: 3,48
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03173419 · 0,75 l · 23,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Palazzo della Torre” Rosso Veronese IGT 2020
This Venetian is exceptionally rich, concentrated and fresh in character with international appeal. Dried black cherry, plum and star anise are flanked by finely woven tannins and fresh acidity. Impeccable and a paragon of concentration and flavour enhancement. SUPERIORE.DE
"Sparkling, deep dark ruby red colour. Opens invitingly on the nose, with lots of savoury fruit, concentrated and spicy, slightly animal on the finish. Soft and flattering on the palate, opulent, with great presence and a long finish." Falstaff
"The Palazzo della Torre 2020, a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Sangiovese, is lush, dark and extremely modern in style and execution. It is a soft and well-structured expression with layers of ripe fruit, black cherry, spice, dark chocolate and spicy Spanish cedar from the oak ageing. The oak is quite dominant, so be prepared for this particular stylistic approach." Wine Advocate
"A part of this wine undergoes a drying process called appassimento and is then blended with the undried wine. This process gives the wine richness and intensity, while maintaining the freshness necessary for the wine's balance. Aromas of blackberries, cassis, sour cherries, mixed herbs and dried violets emanate from the glass. On the palate, the wine is rich yet balanced, with savoury notes and forest floor intertwining with the densely packed fruit, and a perfectly timed pop of acidity on the finish." Wine Enthusiast
"The 2020 Palazzo della Torre impresses with a seductive bouquet of exotic spices, cedar shavings, lavender and dried black cherries. This is soft textured and racy in style, with sleek red and blue fruits that flow across a core of brisk acidity. It leaves a staining of bitter dark chocolate, along with a primary concentration that puckers the cheeks as edgy tannins resonate. The 2020 packs a punch and will require some time to settle down." Vinous
"In the past, all grapes were dried. Today, only the Corvinone is dried due to the large berries and the greater ratio of liquid to solids. While the oak is evident, it is clearly a full-bodied wine built for ageing. In that sense, it serves more as a textural addendum than a shout-out. Notes of dark, saturated cherry, kirsch, liquorice, black olive tapenade and alpine herbs tied to an edgy band of tannin, with an underlying freshness that gives it a juicy, crisp feel and fine length." James Suckling
read more- Grape Varieties: 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 15 months used barrique
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2029+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
parmigiano reggiano - Total extract: 31,25 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,75 g/l
- Residual sugar: 5,45 g/l
- Sulfite: 96 mg/l
- pH value: 3,49
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03012520 · 0,75 l · 23,87 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Staforte” Soave Classico DOC 2021 (BIO)
"This wine was born as a challenge. In 2004, when we started making it, ageing it in steel was against the general trend of ageing complex Soave wines in barrique. Today we are glad that we took this risk." Graziano Prà
The grapes for the Staforte come from the core zone of the Soave Classico, which is a pure expression of the mineral soil on which the vines grow. Apricot, peach and crisp golden apple mingle with notes of dried camomile and white flowers. Deep and full-bodied on the palate, very taut, with mineral finesse, fine acidity and creaminess through to a long, impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE
"White peach and peach skin flavours transition into a medium-bodied palate with minerals from gravel in the mid-palate. Crisp, fruity and mineral finish with decent length." James Suckling
"The 2021 Soave Classico Staforte entices with a complex bouquet that blends exotic florals and tropical citrus with crushed green apples and hints of mint. Silky smooth yet vividly fresh, this cascades across the palate with crunchy orchard fruits and mineral tones propelled by brilliant acidity. It finishes with tremendous length, perfumed and energetic, leaving a lemony concentration that slowly fades. While already pleasurable, the 2021 Staforte is built for medium-term cellaring." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Garganega
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 6/12 months stainless steel/bottle
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2029+
- Closure: twist lock
- Total extract: 20,60 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,50 g/l
- Residual sugar: < 0,50 g/l
- Sulfite: 85 mg/l
- pH value: 3,16
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑004
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03390221 · 0,75 l · 23,87 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Monte Carbonare” Soave Classico DOC 2021 (BIO)
Soave Monte Carbonare is a beautiful, rich and mineral white wine. Complex aromas of apricot, citrus and orange, structured, expansive and fresh in flavour. Good ageing potential and highly drinky - ideally aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE
"Elegant, bright straw yellow colour with gold. Elegant, delicate citrus scent on the nose, fine flowers, green apple and a hint of tropical fruit, appears cool. Balanced on the palate, with great tension and beautiful play, stony, sparse and with great length." Falstaff
"The 2021 Soave Classico Monte Carbonare is decidedly savory, displaying notes of crushed rocks and dried flowers that give way to white peach and hints of gingery spice. It sweeps across the palate with a silky, textural wave of liquid florals and ripe pit-fruits, riding along a core of vibrant acidity. Notions of candied lime and saline minerals linger through the long and youthfully tense finale as the 2021 leaves a confectionary air of spice." Vinous
"Charming aromatic profile with a strong fruit centre lined with layers of herbs and nuts. Burgundian, nutty nuances, honey-glazed almonds, lemon curd and a hint of smoke lend the wine charm. Lively, acid-accentuated finish. Beautiful intensity and a great life ahead." Decanter
"Red volcanic iron soils with plenty of black basalt in the centre. Goes well with the later-ripening Garganega, while the screw cap promotes the freshness sought at this address. 6 ha. 60-70 year old vines in cooler sites that are rising to the crème de la crème of top sites as the climate warms. A richer wine than the younger Classico, but without the same cheeky vitality. While the Classico is an unbeatable everyday wine, this is a complex wine that demands food and a little more contemplation. Mirabelle plum, apricot pit, a hint of dried mango and plenty of smoky, sharp mineral grip, with dutiful freshness that has a chewy length. Drinkable now, but best from 2025." James Suckling
"Sixty-year-old plants which, thanks to the soil, in which the presence of black basalt plays an important role, and organic farming, provide a raw material of great crispness. On the nose, notes of lychee, yellow melon, hawthorn and field grass. Iodine-fruity on the palate with a floral finish." Luca Gardini
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Garganega
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 15 months stainless steel on the yeast
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2028+
- Closure: twist lock
- Food recommendations
grilled fish - Total extract: 23,20 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,05 g/l
- Residual sugar: 3,00 g/l
- Sulfite: 93 mg/l
- pH value: 3,10
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑016
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03100121 · 0,75 l · 25,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Palazzotto” Cabernet Sauvignon Breganze DOC 2018
Palazzotto is the name of the two hectares of vineyard where only Cabernet Sauvignon is grown. Fausto Maculan vinifies a fine wine from these grapes. A pronounced, very multi-faceted bouquet of dark ripe fruit, cassis and nuances of fine spices and violets. The fruity flavour is full-bodied and soft, with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE
"The Maculan 2018 Breganze Cabernet Sauvignon Palazzotto makes a bold statement thanks to inky dark fruit, thick ripeness and dense extraction with black fruit flavors framed by lots of sweet oak. This full-framed red has an almost exotic quality with teriyaki or barbecue spice." Wine Advocate
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Palazzotto is spicy in the glass: cedar and ground ginger give way to dusty roses and redcurrants. It is elegant yet refined, with creamy textures lifted by vibrant acidity, while a wave of mineral-tinged wild berry flavours lightly wash over the palate. The 2018 leaves a tart note of citrus and raspberry and subtle, grippy tannins that frame the wine without slowing its momentum. Although it is already showing very well now, this wonderfully balanced version of Palazzotto should improve even more with medium-term cellaring." Vinous
"Ripe dark fruit with notes of walnuts, cedar wood and spices. Some leafy flavour. Medium to full-bodied with lots of firm, creamy tannins and a deep core of ripe and crunchy dark fruit. Velvety and long-lasting, with a firm, spicy finish." James Suckling
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 12 months old/new barrique
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2030
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,85 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,65 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,52 g/l
- Sulfite: 56 mg/l
- pH value: 3,67
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03082118 · 0,75 l · 26,53 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Torcolato” Breganze DOC 2020 dolce
This famous sweet wine is made from strictly selected grapes that have been dried for five months. It has been one of the best sweet wines in Italy for decades. Aromas of dried apricots, white truffle, honey and sage on the nose, virtuoso and exotic on the palate. Class and elegance with a great value and an excellent ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE
"Despite the dark amber color, this is by no means a syrupy sweetie. In fact, the palate pulls you into a much brighter and more complex zone, offering salty toffee, dried apricot, zesty lime and papaya. More if you linger. Full and silky with exquisite balance, squeezing out every interest possible on the long, tight finish." James Suckling
"The 2020 Torcolato is impossible to ignore, busting from the glass with a rich blend of peach preserves, dried nectarines, spiced ginger cookies and cloves. It’s racy and energetic, with silky textures accelerated by a core of vibrant acidity and salty mineral tones that create a sweet and savory interplay within. The 2020 finishes with remarkable length and potency yet maintains a lovely freshness, leaving nuances of exotic citrus and wild inner florals to linger. The Torcolato is produced from botrytized Vespaiola grapes aged in French oak barrels, a third new. Simply stunning." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Vespaiola
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 12 months 30/70 new/used barrique
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 12‑14 °C
- Storage potential: 2030+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 152,30 g/l
- Total acidity: 8,35 g/l
- Residual sugar: 132,80 g/l
- Sulfite: 178 mg/l
- pH value: 3,50
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03080220 · 0,375 l · 56,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Carbonare” Soave Classico DOC 2021
Strong, bright straw yellow colour. Characterful, youthful and rich bouquet of dried nectarines, peach, yellow apple, mint and a fresh hint of almonds. The depth of its texture is in perfect contrast to the savoury acids, minerals and notes of sour apples, but a feeling of balanced ripeness always remains. The finish is long and structured and seems to melt slowly on the palate, leaving savoury spices and a fine tannin behind. It already has a lot to offer today, but should mature a little more in the bottle for more structure and elegance. A wonderfully exciting interpretation of Garganega from a small single vineyard in the Carbonare region. SUPERIORE.DE
"Rich straw yellow with a green tinge. Delicate nose, apple and pear, some lemon as well as elderflower and dandelion. Elegant and balanced on the palate, precise, creamy, well-integrated acidity, lingering, juicy final." Falstaff
"Fermented entirely in the tank. A straightforward, medium-bodied force of minerals, quince paste, almond peel and Meyer lemon. Reductive in the best sense, with a tangy acidity and a latent vigour that suggests this wine will age very well." James Suckling
"The Inama 2021 Soave Classico Carbonare comes from a 1.5-hectare vineyard with volcanic basalt soils and is wonderfully fresh, lively and full of electric personality. The bouquet shows grapefruit, fruit, quince and spicy flavours with a hint of turmeric or dried ginger on a subtle, medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate
"Like a burst of fresh sea air, the 2021 Soave Classico Carbonare opens with a salty blend of crushed rocks, lime zest and crushed green apples. This soothes with its round textures and fresh acidity, as a cascade of crunchy orchard fruits and mineral tones travels across the palate. Saline and full of tension, the Carbonare leaves a pleasant inner sweetness and a minty herbal thrust that lingers on. There is such purity and balance here. The 2021 was made entirely in stainless steel." Vinous
"This unique vineyard, cultivated using the historic pergola method, produces a Soave with aromas of fleshy yellow peach, jasmine, white tea and crushed stones. On the palate, it is structured and age-worthy with flavours of tart green apple, citrus and a mineral note on the finish." Wine Enthusiast
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Garganega
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 12 months stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2028+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
raw seafood, asian dishes - Total extract: 23,35 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,05 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,80 g/l
- Sulfite: 80 mg/l
- pH value: 3,41
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03340221 · 0,75 l · 29,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 dolce
Brigaldara's Recioto presents itself wonderfully with a warm aroma spectrum of pickled cherries, roses, herbs and traces of honey. It shows its true class on the palate: wonderfully balanced with its fruit-acid play and never dominant sweetness, it presents distinctive notes of small dark berries, creamy spicy aromas and dark chocolate until a never-ending, warming finish. SUPERIORE.DE
"Full-bodied with lots of sweet crushed blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, together with macadamia nuts and red licorice-like notes. The fine tannins add structure and density. Finishes quite firm." James Suckling
"Savory herbs, earth tones and crushed stone give way to lifting hints of mint and camphor as the 2019 Recioto della Valpolicella opens in the glass. This is less about fruit and more about depth and character, as a dense wave of balsam herbs and exotic spices rushes the palate. There is a lovely inner sweetness with zesty acids to balance and saline-minerals that create a salty-sweet expression. It’s incredibly long, adding vivid black cherries, blackberry preserves and hints of mint. The 2019 is a total wine of meditation." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 55% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 24 months tonneau
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 15,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 14‑16 °C
- Storage potential: 2032+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 33,30 g/l
- Total acidity: 8,45 g/l
- Residual sugar: 86,20 g/l
- Sulfite: 128 mg/l
- pH value: 3,36
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03352519 · 0,375 l · 58,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping7 units available
“Maternigo” Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2020
An accessible, fruit-accentuated classic at a high level. A clear aroma of wild berries and flowers, with a mix of dark berry notes, fine spices and light tannins on the palate. Flavour and depth give this noble Valpolicella its wonderful drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE
"Dark, bright ruby red with a fine, brightening rim. Intense on the nose, cranberry compote, juniper and leather on the finish. Silky texture on the palate, with lots of ripe fruit, slightly spicy and with well-integrated tannins, long presence." Falstaff
"Aromas of dried fruit and nuts follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a dense bead of bright fruit and fine, slightly drying tannins. Very direct and concentrated with good forward acidity. Give this wine a little more time for the tannins to resolve further." James Suckling
"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Maternigo is wickedly fresh and floral, wafting up with suggestions of violet and lavender before giving way to crushed blackberries. This is a soft-textured mix of savory and sweet, with saline minerals complicating its tart wild berry fruits. It tapers off with tension, leaving a pleasantly tense sensation and hints of sour orange that pucker the cheeks. Don’t be afraid to lose the 2020 Maternigo in the cellar for a number of years." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 40% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 14 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 15,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2030+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 36,55 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,02 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,79 g/l
- Sulfite: 59 mg/l
- pH value: 3,40
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03183120 · 0,75 l · 29,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Clos Roareti” Rosso Veronese IGT 2020
The first year of production of the single-varietal Merlot Clos Roareti dates back to 2004. The grapes are harvested from the 2 hectare historic Rovereti vineyard in Negrar. In this 100-year-old vineyard, which is surrounded by equally old walls, Merlot has been cultivated since the 1990s and is perfectly adapted to the climate and the red clay soil. The palate is rich and full-bodied with complex and very aromatic notes. Maturation in oak barrels gives this wine its special flavour and certain opulence. SUPERIORE.DE
"Some dried berries, plums, baking spices, dark earth and peppercorn funk. Fluid and dense with some graininess on the palate, followed by a slightly gamey finish." James Suckling
"Sage and rosemary combine with wild blueberries and a hint of undergrowth when the 2020 Rosso Clos Roareti blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it is silky and supple, with mineral-tinged red and blue fruits accentuated by a hint of mocha towards the end. The finish is structured, long and lingers on balsamic herbs and tobacco." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Merlot
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 12 months in barrique
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2033+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 31,35 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,30 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,20 g/l
- Sulfite: 80 mg/l
- pH value: 3,63
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03242920 · 0,75 l · 30,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Monte Grande” Soave Classico DOC 2021 (BIO)
"This wine comes from my family's historic vineyard. It is a wine that is the result of long reflection, study and experimentation, where nothing has been left to chance: Monte Grande is to be my great Soave wine." Graziano Prà
Monte Grande is the house's white cru and a blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano di Soave of great complexity with ideal ageing potential. Deep bouquet of exotic fruits and rocks with a fine citrus note. Multi-layered and spicy on the palate, intense and sharply focussed, with mineral notes and a pretty salty core. Beautifully crafted acidity, with notes of orange zest and almonds on the long finish. A terrificmasterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE
"Ripe fruit on the nose, from pineapple to gooseberry and a hint of snowberry. Medium-bodied with a gentle honey note competing with stony minerals that colour the finish. A powerful Monte Grande." James Suckling
"A rich petrol note on the nose that underlines the flavours of blood orange, pink grapefruit granita, blanched almonds and white flowers on the palate. The generous, expressive profile of this wine is well tamed by well-balanced acidity and a hint of salinity on the finish." Wine Spectator
"A vibrant mix of wild flowers, yellow apples and ground ginger form a captivating bouquet as the Soave Classico Monte Grande 2021 blossoms in the glass. It is round and supple, with cooling minerality and fresh acidity that gives a wonderful lift to ripe stone fruit and minty herbal notes. A hint of lime and a saline note give the 2021 a lovely finish that is long and colourful, but graceful and floral. What a treasure." Vinous
"Aromas of an elegant bouquet of white blossoms, crushed stones and ripe apricots. Its palate elegantly navigates between a silky texture and a vibrant acidity, culminating in a flinty minerality that captures the essence of the Soave landscape." Wine Enthusiast
read more- Grape Varieties: 70% Garganega, 30% Trebbiano
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 10 months wooden barrel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2031+
- Closure: screw cap
- Total extract: 20,60 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,50 g/l
- Residual sugar: 4,50 g/l
- Sulfite: 96 mg/l
- pH value: 3,10
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑004
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03390321 · 0,75 l · 30,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“La Grola” Rosso Veronese IGT 2020
La Grola is the eponymous, historic vineyard where Corvina, the indigenous grape of Valpolicella, is believed to have originated. The replanting of the vineyard by Giovanni Allegrini triggered an agronomic revolution and laid the foundations for the success of this wine-growing region, which today stands for convincing, great red wines from north-east Italy.
Dense, dark ruby red in colour, very rich and powerful on the nose with notes of wild and overripe berries. The rich fullness of coffee to black cherries is underlined by present, pleasant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE
"Rich ruby colour with a dark core and fine garnet-red rim. Multi-layered bouquet of dark chocolate, cassis, underpinned by fine spice. Velvety texture on the palate, harmonious and round, concentrated fruit and pronounced length." Falstaff
"The 2020 La Grola shows ripe fruit, some herbal notes in the background, liquorice, tar and gentle spices. This simple red wine has a slightly wild side with fresh acidity and a whistling, clean finish. La Grola paints a more concentrated picture of Corvina, a grape usually used in traditional Amarone blends." Wine Advocate
"The 2020 La Grola is dark, brooding and complex, tempting the imagination with notes of spiced blood orange, cloves, dark chocolate and dried black cherries. It’s soft textured and more lifted than expected, with brisk acidity and a wave of tart wild berry fruit that slowly saturates. It tapers off with tension, puckering the cheeks with a primary concentration of fine-grained tannins that lingers on. The 2020 is an intense La Grola that will require patience." Vinous
"An elegant red wine with fine tannins that blend seamlessly with the ripe flavours of black and red cherries. Accents of smoked tobacco, rosehip, cocoa powder and aniseed run through the fruit profile, and a subtle, mineral hint of fresh earth and iron lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator
"La Grola has been an integral part of the Allegrini family since 1989. This blend of 90% Corvina and 10% Oseleta opens with aromas of black plums, preserved black cherries, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and violets. As the wine progresses, notes of cedar, cigar box and tobacco develop. On the palate, rich, black-coloured fruit dances with taut, well-structured tannins, while savoury and earthy notes add to the fascination." Wine Enthusiast
"A single vineyard whose fruit comes from a historically important site that is quite steep and calcareous and slopes down towards the Adige. No dried grapes. The tannins of the Oseleta are hard, firm and powerful on the attack. However, the mid-palate is round and energetic, softening any impression of stiffness as it expands aniseed, mint, leather varnish and dark, saturated berry fruit. This is a very good wine made for the cellar." James Suckling
"Podere La Grola, Sant'Ambrogio in Valpolicella, Corvina with a small proportion of Oseleta, which undergoes malolactic fermentation and matures in barriques. Liquorice, blackberry jam and lime on the nose, salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and slightly iodised final." Luca Gardini
read more- Grape Varieties: 80% Corvina, 20% Oseleta
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 16 months barrique
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2032+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
mushroom and game dishes - Total extract: 32,85 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,59 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 66 mg/l
- pH value: 3,39
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03013520 · 0,75 l · 30,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
When Eric Guido (Vinous.com) talks about the current status of the Veneto wine region, he rightly calls it "a constant process of development":
"Whether it's Valpolicella, Soave or one of the smaller growing areas in the region, Veneto has undergone enormous change in a seemingly very short period of time - mostly in a positive direction. However, in a region like Valpolicella, where some wines are only released a decade after the grape harvest, these changes have been taking place for much longer than most of us realise.
Winemakers say that the decisions they make are for many years into the future or for the next generation. We are now at a time when ideas that were developed more than a decade ago are finally coming to fruition. I remember tastings almost 20 years ago where much younger versions of the same people I meet with today were talking about a future where Amarone would be brought to the table. Recent tastings have revealed many wines that can do just that. Producers across the region are now focussing on reducing alcohol and residual sugar. Unfortunately, Mother Nature keeps challenging this idea with a series of warm and dry vintages that favour ripeness and concentration. This is certainly not easy. Winemakers don't want to change the principles and traditions of Amarone, their most admired wine, but finding a balance can be a challenge. The best producers have been working towards this goal for many years, and their wines are proof of what is possible.
This is not to say that there is no place for the traditional old-school Amarone, a wine of decadence and celebration - a perfect end to an evening or a wine to drink in front of a crackling fire on a cold night. Many wineries are staying true to tradition and finding a wonderful balance between opulence and complexity in their wines. I don't want these wines to disappear, but I wonder how much room there is for them on the market.
In previous articles about Valpolicella, I have described in detail the difference between the sub-regions of Classico and Valpantena and the valleys of Marcellise, Mezzane, Illasi and Cazzano di Tramigna. Today it is quite clear that each individual area can produce excellent wines. What I am referring to is the gap between the producers who make Amarone in the traditional style (often with 17+% alcohol) and those who aim for 15% alcohol and a sugar content of only 1 to 1.5 grams. The same logic now applies to Valpolicella Superiore. Producers across the region are doing everything they can to elevate this category and show the world that they can make dry red wines without appassimento that convey the terroir. Appassimento was originally invented to make an inferior wine special, but as a result it is no longer a product of nature, but a manufactured wine. While I consider Ripasso to be a happy medium between Amarone and Valpolicella, many winemakers admit that they only make it out of tradition.
This brings us back to the Valpolicella Superiore, which goes beyond the fresh, light and early-drinking versions. They are far more complex and energetic than the "normal" Valpolicellas and are enhanced by the appassimento. The problem is: how can the consumer recognise the difference? The only way for Valpolicella to successfully manage these changes, however positive they may be, is to communicate to consumers what they are buying. Is it an Amarone for the dinner table or for the cheese course? Is it a Valpolicella Superiore for the cellar and contemplation or to drink relaxed on a Tuesday evening with pizza?
But now let's move next door to Soave: like a mirror image of the Valpolicella quality pyramid, the classifications in Soave make a big difference, especially between the Classico zone and the appellation's extended growing areas. The Classico area of Soave comprises high elevations, steep slopes and a mixture of volcanic and densely layered limestone and clay soils known as Scaglia Rossa, and is recognisable at a glance on the map. Outside the Classico area there are foothills with excellent terroir and elevations capable of producing great wines, but most of the DOC Soave consists of plains with alluvial soils rich in clay, sand and limestone. Can you make good wine here? Certainly. But can you also make great wine here? That is questionable. What is certain, however, is that the world has not yet recognised the potential of Soave.
Soave is well on its way to greatness, as the terroir is capable of producing some of the best white wines in Italy. Several renowned producers have already proven what is possible here, and the Consorzio Tutela Vini Soave e Recioto di Soave has taken the trouble to map the region, analyse its soils and identify the best vineyards. The problem is that the name Soave, with its long-standing trademark and past success, guarantees that a producer can sell his wines without bothering to raise them above an average level of quality. As a result, at every tasting of Soave, you find a few outstanding producers pushing their limits amidst a plethora of mediocre producers dragging the reputation of the entire region down with them.
Soave continues to be one of the best sources in Italy for world-class white wines at a reasonable price; the problem is that harvestneed to pay attention to the producer before picking a Soave bottle off the shelf. Every year I find new and exciting projects here that show there is much more to discover. A quality revolution is slowly taking place. In my opinion, Soave is the most underrated white wine in Italy." VINOUS
So much for the current overview of one of Italy's most famous and diverse wine regions. As always, we have put together some of the wines that Eric Guido considers to be outstanding from the Soave Classico, Valpolicella Classico Superiore and, of course, Amarone appellations. We hope you enjoy browsing and discovering! SUPERIORE.DE