Showing posts with label corvinone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label corvinone. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedSaturday, February 24, 2024

Bertani Catullo Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2019 (Veneto) - Wine Review



red wine review is an excellent Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore from Veneto that arrived at the LCBO as the Wine of the Month in last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the excellent 2020 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena that I loved last month, this red wine is produced by Cantine Bertani. Situated in the heart of Veneto, Cantine Bertani has a long and storied history that began in the mid-19th century. It was established in Valpantena in 1857 by Gaetano and his brother Giovan Battista Bertani, after Gaetano returned from Burgundy, where he learned from his friend and well-known winemaker Jules Guyot about the most modern techniques in viticulture and winemaking.

Today, one of Cantine Bertani's most essential values is to remain coherent with their authentic identity. With more than 150 years of winemaking history, Bertani is recognizable for its identity and wines with a clear and unmistakable stylistic profile. The path for Bertani has always focused on wines of a territory, even when method is guiding them. While the path of territory can be difficult at times, it does build relationships and has led to countless numbers of happy customers. The values of Respect, Coherence, and Patience are the foundation of the company and remain solid and strong today. To continue to perpetuate their style, Bertani uses innovation as respect for tradition - meaning that they respect what has been done and, at the same time, re-evaluate it every day in order to assure quality worthy of their potential and reputation.

The grapes for this red wine come from Tenuta Novare, within the Valpolicella Classica zone. Valpolicella is embraced by the warm air from Lake Garda to the west and the cool breezes from Monti Lessini from the north and east. The geological structure of Valpolicella's soil has been influenced by both the Adige River to the south and Alpine glaciers to the north. Moreover, the valley landscapes fan out from Monti Lessini and slope down into the Veronese plains. As such, the soils have great diversity - basalt soils, marine gravel, limestone and clay mixtures, red and white limestone - which benefits a great variety of wines.

From Bertani's Tradition range of wines - which only consists of an Amarone della Valpolicella Classico and this wine - this Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is crafted using 70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella, with all the fruit grown at their Tenuta Novare Estate in Arbizzano di Negrar. The vineyards are planted on marl-limestone soil with clay deposits and trained using the Double Guyot system, with the vines averaging 20 years old. It is crafted using the ripasso method of double fermentation. In the ripasso method, the first fermentation turns the must into basic Valpolicella, while the second fermentation was triggered in March by adding slightly sweet skins left over from Amarone Classico production. It was aged for 12 months in 75 hectolitre French oak barrels, followed by a year in 100 hectolitre concrete vats. The wine was matured further by spending at least 6 months in bottle prior to release.

The 2019 growing season began with a cool and rainy spring, along with the coolest temperatures that April and May have seen in the last 30 years. It was followed by a hot and dry March. Summer was very hot, with heat waves reaching 38°C at the end of June and into July. While drought conditions marked June, hailstorms took place in July and August, with temperatures returning to normal in early August and throughout September. From a very good to excellent vintage, let's see how this 2019 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is tasting tonight...

Bertani Catullo Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2019 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

BERTANI CATULLO VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2019 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#17777) (XD) - $26.95
Blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella. The elegant and refined nose of medium-high intensity has attractive red berry, cherry, strawberry aromas followed by sweet and savoury spice, and sandalwood notes. On the medium+ bodied palate it is well-structured and dry with red and dark red cherry, strawberry, earthy spices, and white pepper flavours. Although quite pale in colour for this style of wine, it has very good structure with some grip to the gently chalky tannins. Very good acidity. Lovely cherry, strawberry, and earthy notes are joined by mineral touches on the long, crisp finish. Still feels quite young. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 91 pts

Fine wines by Bertani can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSunday, July 16, 2023

Tedeschi Capitel Nicalò Valpolicella Superiore 2020 (Veneto) - Wine Review

red wine review is the latest vintage of a lovely Valpolicella Superiore that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on .

It is produced by Azienda Agricola Tedeschi, also known as Tedeschi Wines, a prominent family-owned winery situated in the Valpolicella region, within Veneto in northeastern Italy. Founded in 1630, Tedeschi has a long and rich history in winemaking spanning over four centuries. Considered one of the leading wineries in Valpolicella, Tedeschi is also a pioneer in crafting cru wines from the region. Tedeschi Winery has been passed down through the generations within the family while having a strong commitment to quality winemaking and respect for traditional winemaking methods.

Today, Tedeschi is a renowned and respected producer of Amarone and other wines from Valpolicella. The winemaking philosophy at Tedeschi is based on patience - to wait for the amount of time required both in the vineyard and in the winery - and dedication - to carefully attend to details and have the appropriate attitude towards the raw materials, while striving to combine long-held family traditions with innovative research, experimentation, and production methods. Their profound attention to detail in the vineyard includes research to uncover the perfect interaction between the characteristics of the soil, micro-climate, sun exposure, selecting the most appropriate varietals, and the cultivation system. The resulting wines are elegant and endowed with marked personality, revealing the richness, tastes and aromas that are typical of the earth that have always characterized their production and identity. Tedeschi has always respected the environment and is certified sustainable according to the standards of Biodiversity Friend and Equalitas.

Like the 2019 Tedeschi Capitel Nicalò Valpolicella Superiore that I enjoyed a couple of years ago, this vintage continues to be a blend of 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Rossignola / Oseleta / Negrara / Dindarella. The grapes were grown in the Moraine Hills, where the soils are moraine clay and limestone of moraine origin, in the heart of Valpolicella and vinified in the Veronese tradition of drying the grapes. By placing the grapes in crates for about one month, the grapes undergo partial dehydration, losing about 8-10% of their weight. This natural process results in water loss while enriching the sugar content of the grapes, their dry extract, and the colour of
the wine.

After harvesting the grapes, they were dried for one month and then underwent maceration and both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in Slavonian oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, and underwent further ageing for 6 months in bottle. The wine is named after their ancestor, Niccolò, and is crafted to be pleasing for all gastronomic delights. From a good vintage that is better than the 2019 vintage, let's see how this 2020 Valpolicella Superiore is tasting tonight...

Tedeschi Capitel Nicalò Valpolicella Superiore 2020 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2020 - Sustainable, DOC, Veneto, Italy (#984997) (XD) - $19.95
Blend of 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Rossignola / Oseleta / Negrara / Dindarella. The clean, fresh, and fragrant nose offers an attractive mix of savoury earth, leafy herbs, black and dark red cherry, and fine spice aromas, plus some dried fruit, and red plum nuances adding further complexity. It's medium-full bodied on the dry palate with fresh, juicy, and tangy lemony acidity lifting the dark cherry fruited, savoury earth, fine spices, cedary oak, and mocha flavours. Supple, dusty textured tannins are smooth and refined. Tangy and dry with dark berry, earth, and wood spice notes lingering on the long, juicy, and well-balanced finish. Enjoyable now and over the next 4-5 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

With a fairly large portfolio, some wines by Tedeschi are available at the LCBO, while the entire range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedMonday, December 13, 2021

Tedeschi Capitel Nicalò Valpolicella Superiore 2019 (Veneto) - Wine Review

wine review is the latest vintage of a consistently well-made, and delicious red wine from the famous Valpolicella region within Veneto. It arrived at the LCBO over the weekend, as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is crafted by Tedeschi Wines, a winemaking family with over four centuries of history and tradition, including cru wine pioneers in Valpolicella. Since 1630, the Tedeschi family have been passionate in its interpretation of the Valpolicella region. Their wines are marked with personality to reveal aromas and flavours that are typical of the earth and characterize Tedeschi's identity. Tedeschi's winemaking philosophy is based on patience - to wait for the amount of time required both in the vineyard and in the winery - and dedication - to carefully attend to details and have the appropriate attitude towards their raw materials. They strive to combine long held family traditions with innovative research and production methods to craft wines that delivers the richness of Valpolicella.

Today, Tedeschi wines are synonymous with terroir and Valpolicella. Their profound attention to detail in the vineyard includes research to uncover the perfect interaction between the characteristics of the soil, micro-climate, sun exposure, selecting the most appropriate varietals, and the cultivation system. Research and experimentation are fundamental tools at Tedeschi. They have always respected the environment and are now sustainable and certified according to the standards of Biodiversity Friend and Equalitas.

This red wine is a blend of autochthonous varieties - 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Rossignola / Oseleta / Negrara / Dindarella - that were grown on Moraine Hills of clay and limestone in the heart of Valpolicella. It was crafted in the traditional Veronese manner of drying the grapes. In actual fact, it is a partial dehydration as the grapes are placed in crates for approximately one month, thereby losing 8-10% of their weight. This process naturally enriches the sugar content of the grapes, their dry extract, and the colour of the wine. After fermentation and maceration, the wine is aged for 12 to 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels, then aged for another 6 months in bottle prior to release. I've had the pleasure of tasting previous vintages of this wine and it always pleases. Let's see how this 2019 is tasting tonight...

Tedeschi Capitel Nicalò Valpolicella Superiore 2019 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2019 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#984997) (XD) - $17.95
A blend of 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Rossignola / Oseleta / Negrara / Dindarella, the medium-high intensity offers stewed and dried dark berry, black cherry, and plum aromas mingling with spices and earthy wood notes. It has good weight on the spicy, medium-bodied palate with more stewed black cherry, currant, plum, wood spice, and earthy notes in a dry flavour profile that's lifted by fresh, lively acidity. Supple tannins have a nice, slightly chalky texture. Very good length with wood spice, stewed berries, and faint mineral notes lingering on the finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

While some lovely wines from Tedeschi can be found at the LCBO, others can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, February 13, 2021

Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Nebbiolo & Valpolicella

Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Nebbiolo & Valpolicella
On , I had the pleasure of attending a masterclass titled "Great Italian Wines" that focused on understanding the indigenous varietals of Italy. This class was the first in a series being held by the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada) and focused on Nebbiolo and the varieties of Valpolicella.

Italy is the world's largest producer of wine by volume, representing 20% of the global production of wine. Approximately 40% of Italy's wine is exported to other countries, with Canada among the top 5 export destinations. With approximately 2000 indigenous varietals, Italy has the greatest number of varietals of any country. Approximately 300 to 400 of these varietals are actively used throughout Italy's 20 wine regions, with each region having it's own distinct varietals and styles.

Nebbiolo is almost exclusively grown in Italy, at the foothills of the Alps in Langhe, Piedmont, in northwestern Italy. It has been cultivated since the middle of the Roman Age and used to be known as 'Nubiola' (Latin for fog) because of the deep, intense fog that sets in the area of Langhe. The grape also develops a fog-like veil as it reaches maturity, and became known as a Nebbiolo in the 1200s. Nebbiolo is medium-sized and blue-black in colour. It is one of the earliest to bud, while also being the latest to harvest in late-October or early November. It needs ample sun exposure and a dry climate, while also preferring calcareous marl soils and higher altitudes in the range of 200 to 550 metres above sea level. Nebbiolo is the most terroir-expressive red grape in Italy and produces wines known for their high acidity and strong tannins, and can be aged for decades. The highly acclaimed wines of Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG are made with Nebbiolo.

Valpolicella translates to "The Valley of Many Cellars" and is not a grape. It is, in fact, a 25 km area in western Veneto, within the province of Verona, near Venice, at the foothills of the Alps and bordered by the Lessini Mountains to the north and east, and Lake Garda to the west. The cultivation of vines in this area can be traced back to prehistoric and Roman times. The soils are a mix of ancient volcanic tufa, calcareous, limestone and clay rich soils.

Valpolicella wines are blends with the indigenous Corvina the most important varietal. Corvinone and Rondinella grapes also play important roles, while other varietals such as Molinara, Oseleta, and Croatia can also be included as part of the blend. Corvina, meaning "Little Raven", has been in use since at least the 18th century and is mainly grown only in Veneto. Corvina is a thick-skinned grape that is good for drying, and produces light coloured wines with low tannins and high acidity. Corvinone means "big Corvina" and is a distinct grape that produces large clusters of grapes on the vine. Corvinone is a source of tannins, adding structure to the wines, making it a fine companion for blending with Corvina. Rondinella, meaning "Little Swallow", is a versatile grape that has a high sugar content and is good for drying, adding perfume and fruitiness to the wine.

Besides Valpolicella DOC and Valpolicella Superiore DOC wines, there are Valpolicella Ripasso DOC wines which are young Valpolicella wines that undergo a second fermentation - a "re-pass" or "go over again" - using the grape skins left from Amarone and Recioto wines. Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines use the Appassimento technique and significant ageing to create concentrated, structured wines that are age-worthy. The last style of Valpolicella wines are the Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG wines - a sweet, dessert wine made from dried grapes.

Both of the wines tasted as part of the masterclass are represented by Cavinona, an Ontario-based wine agency that specializes in Italian wine. They represent more than 70 Italian producers to offer a great selection of Italy's vast array of indigenous varietals. These producers are small, mostly family-run businesses that have been passed down over generations and have a commitment to craft quality and authentic wines that best express the native grapes and soils of their region.

These delicious wines are available for purchase by the case through Cavinona's online web store, as well as by the bottle at Terroni restaurants and wine shops. Additionally, the food items such as DOP Grana Padano (similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano) and DOP Piave cheeses are also available at Terroni restaurants.

With two more masterclasses on other Italian indigenous varietals to come, you can also attend by registering for the free class here. These classes are more enjoyable with the wines being tasted. As such, you will be able to purchase the wines for these classes from La Bottega di Terroni. To participate on social media, follow @trueitaliantaste and these hashtags on Instagram: #ExtraordinaryItalianTaste #TrueItalianTaste #iffoodcouldtalk.

Tasting Notes:

ODDERO LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2018 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (XD) - $45.06
100% Nebbiolo from La Morra. The medium-high intensity aromatics offer red berry, cherry, floral, spice, and earthy tones with a hint of balsamic and orange rind. The palate is light-bodied with flavours of dark red sour cherry, spice, floral, and earth. Acids are fresh and juicy, along with a touch of warmth on the mid-palate, but still well-balanced. Tannins are fine-grained and textured with a supple grip. Savoury, earthy notes flecked with cherry and floral linger on the long, juicy finish, with excellent length. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 91 pts

Oddero Langhe Nebbiolo 2018 (91 pts)Piccoli 'Rocolo' Valpolicella Superiore 2016 (91+ pts)

PICCOLI 'ROCOLO' VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2016 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (XD) - $42.80
Blend of 40% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 25% Corvinone, and 5% Oseleta, Molinara, and Croatina. The lovely, elegant, fragrant and complex nose has perfumed aromas of floral, red berry, dried herb, sweet wood spice, meaty, and barnyard notes with touches of olive that continually evolve in the glass. It is light-to-medium bodied on the dry palate with more floral, sweet wood spice, berry, and vanilla flavours supported by fresh, lively acidity and smooth, refined, and well-knit tannins. Floral and savoury notes linger on the long, succulent finish. Score: 91+ pts


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