Michele Castellani
Amarone della Valpolicella Cinque Stelle 2019
Vineyard
Castellani has 17 hectares of certified organic vineyards near their estate in Borgata, in Valpolicella Classico. Colle Cristi comes from the upper portion of the hill which has more limestone in the soil. Vines are primarily pergola trained, which is well suited to this area, and to Corvina in particular. The leaves protect the grapes from direct sun and the heat radiates from the ground – a natural temperature control that allows a longer ripening period. This gives the skins and juice more time to ripen in unison.
Winemaking
This wine is made from the free run juice of grapes aged for three months in traditional drying rooms. The fermentations are “low and slow,” happening at cold temperatures over 45 days. It is then aged for three years in a combination of 70% Slovenian oak and 30% tonneau.
Vintage
2019 was a great vintage in Valpolicella and the Consorzio awarded it “five stars.” A cool, wet spring gave way to a warm summer which allowed for even ripening across the region.
Tasting Note
Cinque Stelle is a bold red wine with a robust nose of dark chocolate, raisins and red cherries. The palate is beautifully balanced with bursts of bright acidity and a long finish.
Color
Red