Brigaldara Valpolicella Classico DOC 2024

Brigaldara's Valpolicella Classico is bright ruby red with vibrant aromas of fresh cherry, brambly red berries, redcurrant and blackberry, lifted by a touch of crushed violet and light spice. On the palate it is fresh and juicy, with delicate tannins and fresh fruit supported by lively acidity and a lightly savory, spicy finish.

This Valpolicella from the Veneto region of Italy is built from Corvina (45%) and Corvinone (40%), with smaller additions of Rondinella (15%) and other native varieties, sourced from vineyards around San Floriano and Marcellise at altitudes between roughly 150 and 250 meters. Grapes are hand harvested and placed in small crates before being destemmed and gently pressed. The harvesting period is very important for this wine, due to the delicacy of its aromas and to the fragile sensory balance in which acidity plays a fundamental role. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature with constant skin contact, using pumping over twice a day and a délestage partway through to favor color extraction. The wine then rests in stainless steel for several months before bottling.

The name Brigaldara first appears in a deed from 1260, referring to a cluster of farmhouses and the surrounding countryside near San Floriano, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica district. Today the estate is owned by the Cesari family, with winemaker Stefano Cesari overseeing about fifty hectares of vineyards and olive groves. The winery favors natural, traditional production methods, aiming to let each wine reflect the character of this long-cultivated terroir just outside the Marano valley.