PRODUCER

In northern Italy a ‘Brolo’ is a walled vineyard, similar to a French ‘Clos’. Cantina Valpantena directly farms three Broli which make up a total of 13 hectares. One of them is in the heart of the Valpantena valley while the other two are in Montorio, on the Val Squaranto side. Stefano Casali, Valpantena’s head agronomist, manages these vineyards. He has been able to reduce the use of spraying, carefully control water consumption and eliminate the use of weed killers. The knowledge and results that Stefano gains from these vineyards are then used to advise other Valpantena growers on their viticulture. These efforts have been formally recognized and the Broli vineyards are accredited with VIVA Sustainable Viticulture certification.

VINEYARDS

The grapes for this wine come from three Broli which make up a total of 13 hectares. One of them is in the heart of the Valpantena valley while the other two are in Montorio, on the Val Squaranto side. Altitude is 100 meters above sea level and the soil is clay. Vines are trained with both Guyot and the traditional Pergola systems.The vineyards are managed following Sustainable principles.

VINTAGE

After a fresh start to the growing season in June and July, August and September saw record-breaking temperatures throughout Italy with the north of the country experiencing the hottest temperatures since 1800. This was accompanied by a severe lack of rain which resulted in clean, healthy fruit that was concentrated and ripe. In the Veneto, harvest began approximately 7 days earlier than normal and yields were down 5% on 2010.

VINIFICATION

Grapes were hand - harvested during the second week of October. Selected bunches were then put to dry until the last week of December. During this period grapes lost 37% of their weight. Once pressed, the must fermented slowly for 13 weeks at a temperature of 26°C. At the end of the fermentation the wine was aged in oak for 36 months and then another 12 to 24 months in tank before bottling.

TASTING NOTES

This wine is ruby in colour with an intensity that suggest a long – ageing potential. On the note it shows delicate aromas of cocoa and sweet spices with hints of red berried and dark cherries under spirit. The palate is intense and round with smooth tannins and a warming sensation that is well balanced with the elegant and intense flavours that carry from the nose. It has a long and persistent finish.