Valpolicella Classico Superiore "Contrà del tono" 2018 Nepos Villae

The Valpolicella Classico Superiore "La Contrà del Tono" from the Nepos Villae winery is a red wine with fruity aromas, reminiscent of red and juicy berries, with balsamic undertones, a wine that is open and fresh but never loses its elegance. It is a tribute to a contrada that now lives only in memory, a place that one could pass through. This contrada is an indelible seal in the history of Valpolicella Classico, a village of stone and humanity that cannot be forgotten. With the deepest respect for the men and women who inhabited these lands, we have given voice to this little jewel of the valley and paid it a sincere tribute. Valpolicella Classico Superiore Contrà del Tono is produced in the Negrar Valley, the coldest valley in Valpolicella, where even in summer, at dusk, the breeze that descends from the mountains brings a pleasant coolness; a freshness that we find in the ripening of the grapes, in the aromas and in the quality of the Nepos Villae wines. The Contrà del tono wine is a classic blend of Corvina gentile, Corvina grossa, Rondinella and Molinara, a blend that has been used historically in Valpolicella. The grapes are carefully hand-picked and gently pressed in a horizontal press at low temperature. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled steel vats, followed by light cryomaceration and manual pressing to enhance the extraction of aromatic and colouring substances. After vinification in red, the wine is aged in steel until March-April, then it is bottled for about 4 months before being released. This Valpolicella Classico Superiore presents itself in the glass with intense ruby reflections and a fine texture. On the nose it offers a verticality of aromas with clear sensations of ripe cherries and berries, enriched with spices of black pepper and cloves, combined with a pleasant Mediterranean note of fine herbs, rosemary and thyme. On the palate, it is characterised by its elegant sapidity, enhanced by authentic and soft tannins, good body and decisive structural freshness. The persistence is remarkable and ends with a delicate almond finish. Contrà del Tono is an ideal accompaniment to spicy cured meats of the Veneto tradition and medium-aged cheeses, preferably cow's milk. It also goes well with white meat first courses and red sauces, as well as legume soups.