One of the most stunning vistas we've ever seen with our own eyes are the high altitude vineyards of the Castellani family. We found ourselves super high up in the vineyards designated for their Amarone, but not that far down are their vineyards for this sophisticated and elegant Valpolicella Classico.
Thankfully, this ain't your cousin Anthony's Valpolicella from The North End. It isn't Recioto either (thank God!). It's just pure beautiful Corvina and Rondinella. 80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella to be exact. It rivals Cru Beaujolais and Bourgogne Passetoutgrains in its minerality and focus.
The nose is earthy with just a very very faint red floral aroma. The palate is mid-weight, maybe even light to someone who usually drinks "big". Has some great acidity. Tart red fruits like raspberries. Maybe even a cranberry or two. This wine is not jammy, not compact, but is juicy and the acidity makes your mouth water. The finish lingers with some red tart fruit and some stones (yes stones). It is absolutely perfect for almost all sorts of foods. Salad to pizza to sausages on the grill. Yum, yum.
Valpolicella Classico $15 a bottle
