Villalta Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Organic (DOCG), 2018

Deep ruby red in colour with an intense, full and rich bouquet. Rounded on the palate with classic black cherry flavours, dark chocolate, silky integrated tannins and a long complex finish. Allow to breathe or pour into decanter well before serving.

VILLALTA
In ancient times, on the hills of the valpolicella classica area, it was the custom for the poor people of the town to be gathered together and given food, especially during the winter when supplies ran low. The small areas of land where these gatherings took place became known as ‘I Comunali’. Today the grapes of the prestigious Amarone are cultivated here with great care.

Vineyard: Single Vineyard ‘I Comunali’

Grapes: Primarily a blend of the Veneto’s three traditional grape varieties: Corvina, which provides the intense bouquet, Rondinella, which adds tannin and structure, and Molinara, which gives colour and flavour, plus a small amount of other local grape varieties.

Vineyard area: The 9.64ha single vineyard ‘I Comunali’ is on a steep south-facing slope in the Fumane Valley. The vines are trained on pergola trellises and the vineyard enjoys a warm microclimate.

Harvest: In October, only the smallest, driest and most mature grapes are carefully hand picked – usually about half the crop.

Drying: The bunches are placed on traditional “arele” (tiered mats) where they are dried for around 3 months in well ventilated “fruttai” (grape drying rooms) under controlled humidity conditions, until they loose at least 30% of their original weight. The low temperatures of the winter season increase the concentration of sugar and tannin, at the same time maintaining the original aromatic qualities of these indigenous grape varieties.

Vinification: In January the dried, condensed grapes are gently pressed and cold macerated.

Fermentation: Due to the very high sugar content and natural yeasts, a long slow fermentation (45 days) is carried out in stainless steel tanks at the low temperature of 25c. The tanks are specially designed to allow permanent contact with the grape skins to make Amarone.

Ageing: Two years in Slavonian oak barrels (25-50hl) and 3 months in the bottle before release.

Winemaker’s notes: Deep ruby red colour with an intense, full and rich bouquet. Rounded on the palate with classic black cherry flavours and a long, complex finish. Ideal with roasts, game and cheese, but also a great wine to sip slowly in company

Pair with: Ideal with roasts, cheese – or to savour on its own.

Vivino Rating: 4.2