2022
Valpolicella
Classico Superiore Doc
Valpolicella
Classico Superiore Doc
Our Valpolicella Classico Superiore represents the full expression of the Veronese winemaking tradition and our family’s enological techniques.
It is produced entirely from indigenous Veronese grape varieties – Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta – grown in low yields at our historic estate in Arbizzano di Negrar, Verona. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand. After a long maceration and fermentation, the wine is aged for 14 months in traditional Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a brief finishing period in the bottle to complete the vinification process.
750 ml | Alcohol 14.5% vol. | Contains sulfites
TASTING NOTES
COLOR
Vivid ruby red
AROMAS
Intense aromas of blueberry, hints of cherry and licorice, lingering accents of cinnamon and pepper.
FLAVOURS
Fresh and smooth mouthfeel and excellent acidity. The tannins are soft and elegant. The sip is well rounded and warming.
VARIETAL COMPOSITION
Corvina 70% | Corvinone 15% | Rondinella 10% | Oseleta 5%
ALCOHOL CONTENT
14%
SERVING TEMPERATURE
16-18°C
PAIRING
Rustic pasta dishes, poultry meat sauce. Small game and small birds, white meat. Beef and pork.
VARIETAL COMPOSITION
Corvina 70% | Corvinone 15% | Rondinella 10% | Oseleta 5%
ALCOHOL CONTENT
14%
SERVING TEMPERATURE
16 – 18°C
PAIRING
Rustic pasta dishes, poultry meat sauce. Small game and small birds, white meat. Beef and pork.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Valpolicella Classico Superiore comes from one of Italy’s oldest wine-growing areas, Valpolicella, located in the province of Verona. Here, thanks to the special microclimate and the typical limestone-marl soil, vines have been cultivated since ancient times.
It is hypothesized that the name of the area originated from a combination of its morphological characteristics and its established wine-growing tradition ‘Valpolicella’ can be read as “Vallis-polis-cellae”, composed of: vallis’ (from the Latin “territory” or “region”, but also a clear reference to the valleys that characterise the area), “polis” (a Greek suffix meaning many) and “cellae” (a Greek and Latin term that can be translated as cellars). “Valley of the many cellars” is, however, only one of the possible meanings of the name Valpolicella.
Equally intriguing is the etymology proposed by humanists, who linked the term to polyzelos. In its more recent interpretation, this Greek word is translated as ‘land of many fruits’ (referring to the flourishing cultivation of vines and other fruit trees in the area), but it can, however, also mean land “much envied” or “beautiful” (representing the prestige of the area in the distant past).
Another, more concrete interpretation also exists. The name Valpolicella first appears in documents from the 12th century. These early records use the term ‘polesela,’ without the ‘c’ found in the older etymology. This suggests that the name may originate from Pol (now Santa Lucia di Pescantina). In the past, this municipality in Verona was a key point of reference for officials managing the area. From there, they would travel to neighbouring villages up the valley. Thus, the name Valpolesela, meaning ‘valley of Pol’.
The Valpolicella DOC denomination was established in more recent times, in 1968, to protect and promote the quality of the regional wines, emphasising in particular the ‘Classica’ area, the historic heart of production. The Valpolicella regulations outline specific types of wine, which are distinguished by particular characteristics such as the grape varieties used for production, vinification procedures and unique organoleptic properties. Valpolicella Superiore is one of the wine classifications under the Valpolicella DOC appellation and has distinctive characteristics that we will discuss below.
Valpolicella Superiore takes on the designation ‘Classico’ if it is produced in the area of the same name, the most historic part of this wine-growing region. Located north-west of Verona, Valpolicella Classica includes the municipalities of Sant’Ambrogio, Fumane, Negrar, Marano and San Pietro in Cariano. Thanks to the influence of Lake Garda and the protection of the Lessini Mountains, this area enjoys a favourable microclimate, creating ideal conditions for the cultivation of vines and the slow, gradual ripening of the grapes. The soils, mainly calcareous and marly, favour the drainage and give the wines a particular minerality and structure.
Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani is located in Novare, one of the oldest locations in Valpolicella Classica. In this valley, at an altitude of about 200 metres, our winery cultivates the finest native Veronese varieties in a fenced brolo (comparable to the famous Clos of Burgundy). This 22-hectare parcel is surrounded by a wall about 3.5 km long, partially dating back to the 1500s, originally built to safeguard the valley’s best vineyards. This enclosure has preserved the area’s unique microclimate and soil characteristics over time, ensuring the consistent quality of the grapes.
Every one of these contributes to giving the wine its distinctive organoleptic characteristics:
Corvina is the main variety and gives elegance and structure, thanks to its high tannin content and natural acidity. This grape also gives the wine fruity notes of cherry and morello cherry, as well as delicate spicy notes.
Corvinone, often considered complementary to Corvina, is distinguished by its larger berries and the ability to add body and intensity to the wine. Its grapes enrich the aromatic bouquet with hints of red fruits and spices, contributing to a more vigorous structure.
Rondinella is another essential variety in the composition of Valpolicella Classico Superiore. It is mainly used for its effect of enhancing the colour of wine. It brings freshness and floral notes to the aromatic profile, balancing the more intense components of Corvina and Corvinone.
At Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani, we have been cultivating the indigenous varieties of Valpolicella for generations: Corvina in the Novare clone, a specific selection from our estate, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta, to which other ancient varieties will be added soon. All our grapes have been selected to be grown on the parcels that best match their characteristics. We use the Guyot and “cordone” vine training systems, introduced in Verona by our forebear Giovanni Bertani upon his return from political exile in Burgundy in the mid-1800s. These systems allow us to obtain a low-yield, high planting density to produce high quality grapes: about 5600 vines/hectare for 70 quintals/hectare of yield.
Our Valpolicella Classico Superiore is produced entirely at our historic estate in Arbizzano di Negrar, from low-yielding indigenous grape varieties. After being harvested by hand, the grapes are macerated for an extended period and then fermented. The wine is then aged for 14 months in traditional large oak barrels and briefly refined in the bottle before it is released for sale. The bland that we have selected (Corvina 70%, Corvinone 15%, Rondinella 10% and Oseleta 5%) allows us to enhance and bring out all the typical scents of the terroir, creating a Valpolicella Classico Superiore with a refined aromatic bouquet, great balance and a brilliant ruby red colour.
Valpolicella is the only area in Italy, and in the world, where four very distinct wines can be produced from the same grapes:
Valpolicella (also with meaning Valpolicella Superiore)
A fresh and pleasantly lively wine with a vinous bouquet and soft tannins.
Valpolicella Ripasso
A medium-bodied wine, obtained by ‘repassing’ the Valpolicella on the marc of Amarone or Recioto.
Amarone della Valpolicella
An icon of the area, it is a robust, full-bodied wine made from raisined grapes.
Recinto della Valpolicella
Always produced from dried grapes, it is the oldest wine in the appellation and is the ancestor of Amarone.
If you are interested in learning more about the characteristics, history and origins of the wines of Valpolicella we invite you to read our article: Valpolicella wine: a journey between history and tradition.
Valpolicella Superiore is a red wine with intense aromas and soft, structured tannins. To best appreciate its scents and aromas, we recommend serving it at a temperature of 16°-18°C in large red wine glasses. In the case of vintages that require extended aging, it is advisable to open the bottle half an hour before serving to fully enhance its scents and aromas.
As a red wine with velvety tannins, medium structure and balanced acidity, Valpolicella Classico Superiore is perfect to be enjoyed with cured meats, meat-based first courses, roasts and medium-aged cheeses. Excellent with mushroom risotto, it also pairs well with grilled meat and rotisserie chicken. If you are looking for a gastronomic pairing with typical products from Verona, we recommend trying Valpolicella Superiore with Monte Veronese DOP cheese, with pumpkin tortelli or with a beef fillet with black truffle from Lessinia.
FAQs
The main difference between Valpolicella Superiore and Amarone is the production process. Valpolicella Superiore is a wine aged at least one year and produced from fresh grapes. Amarone, on the other hand, is made from dried grapes and with the Riserva designation, is aged for at least four years in oak barrels. These characteristics make Amarone a more structured wine with a rich and intense aromatic profile to be paired with equally important culinary dishes, while Valpolicella Superiore is fresher and better suited to a wide range of pairings.
Valpolicella Superiore should be stored in a cool, dark place at a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C. The bottle should preferably be stored horizontally to keep the cap moist and thus prevent oxidation. It is also recommended to avoid excessive temperature changes that could compromise the quality of the wine. If stored properly, Valpolicella Superiore can age well over time, revealing considerable aromatic complexity.
You can buy Valpolicella Superiore in many bars and restaurants in Verona and its province, as well as in the best online and offline wine shops. Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC of Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani can also be bought in our online shop or at our wine shop, where you can have a personalised shopping experience and find the full selection of our wines.
