Brigaldara Valpolicella, Verona

Owner Stefano Cesari is the young, intelligent, somewhat intense, and innovative producer of Valpolicella Classico, Superiore, and Amarone. As the president of the Valpolicella Region Grower's Association, he is dedicated to improving the quality of Valpolicellas through lowered yields, improved viticultural practices, careful clonal selection, and modern winemaking techniques. Although he farms the traditional grapes of the Valpolicella classico D.O.C., his emphasis is on the higher quality variety of Corvina over Rondinella and Molinara. He produces distinctive wines of very high quality from 15 hectares of estate vineyards near the village of San Floriano in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone. "Success struck the Valpolicella area like lightning out of the clear blue sky, sometimes surprising the producers themselves, who were suddenly thrust into a new and complex world. Stefano Cesari has been able to handle the situation with calm and lucidity. In fact, his operation is one of the most interesting local estates today with excellent vineyards, a range of wines strongly rooted in tradition and, very importantly, fine quality that represents really good value for the money." Gambero Rosso 2010

Soave 2010 This lovely Soave is produced from 20 year old Garganega vines grown near San Martino Buon Albergo Marcellise. It is fermented and raised in stainless steel and malolactic fermentation is prevented, allowing the wine to display its natural acidity while playing off its rich, yet not weighty, yellow plum and fresh herb flavours. Its flavours are pristine and succulent. A perfect match to fresh pan roasted trout with fingerling potatoes.

Valpolicella Case Vecie 2009 Hailing from the heart of the region, this wine is made from Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes without the use of wood. It undergoes Ripasso on the skins of the house's Amarone grapes which adds colour and increases the depth of flavour. Medium colour with subtle sour cherry aromas, this is a medium-weight, softly tannic wine with zesty fruit flavours and a hint of bitter almond on the finish. A charming red that could be served at cellar temperature with a wide range of Italian dishes.

Amarone della Valpolicella 2007 Signore Cesari emphasizes that his method of producing Amarone is to begin by shrivelling the grapes in a drying room. By controlling humidity, he avoids botrytis. Vinification is in January over a 15 day period at 18° to 20°. His goal is to produce Amarone with body, fruit freshness, no oxidation, and drinkability upon release. All is in contrast to old style Amarone made from dried but botrysized fruit, fermented at temperatures of 5° to 10° over a 40 day period. This is a sumptuous style of Amarone with a perfumed bouquet of lavender, dark chocolate and espresso bean. The palate reveals a ripe core of bitter chocolate and spiced fruit cake, with complicating flavours of mirabel plum and coffee. An attractive note of steeped tea persits through the finish. Alchohol, which can often be a make or break issue for Amarone lovers, is nicely balanced by the wine's density. The 2007 is not yet critiqued, but the 2006 received this wonderful review: "The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from Brigaldara shows gorgeous inner sweetness and perfume in a mid-weight, approachable style. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and rosemary come together nicely in the glass. Floral notes linger on the clean, minerally finish. This is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022." 93 points, Wine Advocate, Feb 2011

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All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.

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