The Serego Alighieri vineyards are located in the historic area of Gargagnago in commune of S. Ambrogio di Valpolicella, characterised by a mild climate due to the influence of Lake Garda and the Adige River. This archetype of Valpolicella, described by Hemingway as “friendly, like the house of a brother that you get on with” is noted for the use of the exclusive Serego Alighieri clone of the Molinara grape (along with the traditional Corvina and Rondinella used for Valpolicella) and by short-term aging in cherry wood casks.
The fresh grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats at ambient temperature. After malolactic fermentation the wine is given another “double” fermentation using semi-dried grapes of the same varieties used in the first fermentation. It spends 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels, plus about four months in 600L cherry wood barrels, then a further 6 months in bottle before release.
2020
91 points, James Suckling
This vintage has intense aromas of maraschino cherries and offset by sweet bakers spices. Firmly structured, the wine is nonetheless smooth with a velvety palate, fine tannins and well balanced acidity. Very long and intense on the finish, ripe primary berry fruit gives way to lingering spice and sweet wood notes.
2015
“This opens with aromas of pressed violet, underbrush and baking spice. The round, juicy palate offers fleshy black cherry, star anise and cinnamon alongside polished tannins.” 91 points, Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast
