Valpolicella Superiore Roccolo Grassi 2017

Valpolicella Superiore from the Roccolo Grassi estate is a red wine with a soft and generous indole that is produced through a combination of fresh and lightly dried grapes. The estate is located in the municipality of Mezzane di Sotto, in the province of Verona, where in 1996, Marco Sartori started this winemaking project, which in just a few years has turned into one of the most important wineries in the Valpolicella wine scene. Marco is assisted in the management of the estate by his sister Francesca and his father Bruno, who, giving priority to the agronomic aspect, which is fundamental for obtaining high-quality grapes, produce the traditional wines of the Valpolicella and Soave area.

Roccolo Grassi Valpolicella Superiore consists of a blend of Corvina Veronese (60 percent), Corvinone (15 percent) and Rondinella (10 percent), plus 10 percent of Croatina, Oseleta and other vines. The vines rest on soils of volcanic-basaltic origin, located at an altitude between 200 and 250 meters above sea level. In the winery, 60 percent of the grapes are vinified fresh, while the remaining 40 percent are after a light 20-day withering. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with 15-20 days of maceration on the skins, while the ensuing 20-month ageing phase takes place for half of the mass in 225-litre French oak barriques and the remaining half in 20-hectoliter barrels. This is followed by a further 18 months of bottle ageing before the final release.

Valpolicella Superiore Roccolo Grassi shows a deep ruby red color. Decisive hints of white pepper, tobacco, coffee and small red fruits emerge on the nose, while the sip reveals great character, with a full body that is accompanied by enveloping softness and smooth tannins.