CasalVegri Valpolicella Superiore

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casalvegriCasal Vegri Valpolicella Superiore – Organic

The Valpolicella wine region in the Veneto, Italy has the unique ability to produce four different types of wine. These are: Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG, Recioto Della Valpolicella DOCG, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC and Valpolicella Classico or Classico Superiore DOC.

Although the same varieties (Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara) are used for the four wine types, the result is entirely different. Amarone holds a DOCG status and is bold, concentrated, overripe, and usually high in alcohol with long aging potential. On the other hand, Valpolicella has DOC status and is light, aetherial, fresh, and with moderate alcohol, and it is preferable to drink it during the first three years. Recioto has DOCG status and is sweet, and Ripasso has DOC status and is placed somewhere in the middle of Amarone and Valpolicella.

In many ways this is the signature wine of Ca la Bionda, it is a totally uncompromising Valpolicella made from the pick of the crop grown only in the Casal Vegri vineyard. Usually, in Valpolicella the best grapes are reserved for the Amarone and the second selection for the Ripasso wines. Not so at Bionda; this is a classic single vineyard wine with an unwavering commitment to the best interpretation of the vintage possible, the style varies, the DNA does not.

Casal Vegri is a single vineyard on an east-facing slope, harnessed by ancient terraces between 350 and 1200 feet above sea level, the soils are rocky, sparse clay on limestone. The vineyard is farmed organically and the vines are trained using a traditional pergola system, the family has great faith in this technique which is especially successful in very hot and very wet years. The only issue is that this is a system that requires exhaustive manual labor.

The grapes are picked by hand, usually in the last week of September, and then travel a short distance to the winery where they are destemmed for a temperature-controlled fermentation in steel tanks. Following fermentation, ninety percent of the wine is aged in botti (3000 litre barrels) and the balance in barrique, for eighteen months.  After blending it gets a further six months of bottle aging before release.

As a result, the wine is fresh, aromatic, and complex. It’s a ruby-garnet color, with a nose showing violet-tinged notes and red berries such as red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry. The palate is deliciously balanced, with silken-textured acidity and polished tannins. Pure sour cherry and forest fruits are delightful. Beautiful drinking when young, it will improve and can age for a decade.

While Casal Vegri is amazing when young, it will develop for a decade. It’s an excellent companion for roast meats while vegetarians should head for a mushroom risotto.

 

70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella and Molinara.

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