Corvina IGT 2019

A single-varietal Corvina Veronese from Valpolicella Classico, a dry red wine at 13.5% ABV that favours finesse and tension over power. In the glass, a medium-bodied, transparent ruby red with brick-red hues; on the nose, sweet and sour cherries, roasted almonds, dried fruit and tart sloe, alongside black cardamom, black pepper and allspice.

The grapes grow on the Ravazzol hill, in the historic heart of Valpolicella, at 200 to 300 metres. The vines average over 60 years old and naturally yield little: 5 to 6 tonnes per hectare. The clay-and-limestone soil is strewn with rocks and small stones, and the terraced slopes in the Marano valley face east-southeast, which allows for slow, even ripening.

100% Corvina Veronese, produced only in years when the summer isn't too hot and the autumn isn't too wet. The harvest stretches over up to four weeks across several passes: grapes from the first selection are briefly dried, then pressed together with those from the following passes. The must ferments together in open 1000-litre wooden vats, after which the wine rests for 36 months in a closed vat of the same size.

Cherry and raspberry, vibrant and clear. Highly elegant tannins finely dust the edges of the palate and keep the fruit in balance. Fine extract, an almost electric vibrancy, long finish.

Founded in 1902, the estate is run by fourth-generation winemakers Alessandro and Nicola Castellani; Nicola tends the 29 hectares of terraced hillside vineyards, while Alessandro oversees the cellar. The estate works with spontaneous fermentation from indigenous yeasts and large wooden casks. Organic since 2012, and as co-founders of FIVI, the Castellanis stand for independent winegrowing craftsmanship. Brogna sheep, an endangered breed from the Veneto, graze between the vine rows.