Recioto “Le Tordare” Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018 500ml

Wine Description for Recioto “Le Tordare” Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018 500ml by Ca´ La Bionda

Colour & Appearance

A deep, dark cherry red, which transitions almost to black at the core and shows delicate brightening towards the rim.

Nose

The wine opens with a captivating intensity reminiscent of black cherries in dark chocolate. This is joined by nuances of elderberry syrup, candied lavender and stewed blackberry compote. A noble freshness is brought into play by ethereal herbal notes: nuances of bergamot, wild mint, rosemary, thyme and sage masterfully balance the sweet tones.

Palate

On the palate, the sheer skill of the Castellani brothers is revealed. The noble sweet opulence is instantly countered by an animating freshness. The structure thrives on a finely woven, bitter tannin reminiscent of black tea and the finest dark chocolate. An aristocratic interplay of sweetness, bitter spice and a lively, fluid drinkability.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes originate from organically farmed, terraced steep slopes in the Marano Valley at an altitude of 150 to 300 metres. The soil is heavily characterised by stony limestone with a high calcium content. The east-southeast orientation of the slopes ensures a slow, even ripening of the grapes and lends the wine its fine structure.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A classic blend of 70% Corvina, 10% Corvinone and 20% Rondinella. The selected grapes were dried in small wooden crates until the end of February of the following year, concentrating the sugars in a natural way. Spontaneous fermentation with the estate’s own yeasts was followed by a 20-day maceration on the skins and 24 months of ageing in barriques.

Food Pairings

This Recioto is an excellent partner for chocolate desserts, strong, mature blue cheese, or as a soloist alongside a fine cigar.

Special Features

This wine impressively demonstrates the estate’s philosophy of interpreting Valpolicella classics with Burgundian elegance rather than sheer power. Despite the concentration achieved through the semi-drying process (appassimento), this sweet wine possesses a magnificent freshness and only 13.5% abv.