Description
Veneto, Italy
Acclaimed vinery Falezze are truly passionate about creating limited edition and exclusive Valpolicellas for those who love and appreciate the finest wines. Squarzego is a ‘second label’: Certified Organic and a fascinating example of a more unique style of Ripasso. Only 3000 bottles are produced.
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta grapes (the latter not a classic variety but used to add a deeper colour and a fair dose of tannin and spiciness) are sourced from Val Squarzego. At about 100m, these are vineyards on the lower hilly slopes with a SW aspect and calcareous loam–clay soil plus abundant coarse carbonate gravel. The vines are around 60 years old, trained on a traditional Veronese pergola system that has proved to be more resistant to climate change, ensuring high-quality grapes,
Manual harvesting takes place September-October, with selected bunches left in the drying room for about a month do give slightly withered grapes. Between November and December there is the first fermentation, followed by second fermentation on the skins left over from Amarone – the traditional Ripasso (passing over) technique. This fermentation is in steel vats, at a controlled temperature for about two weeks, with limited pumping over.
The final cuvee is a blend of 50% of this juice and 50% that has been aged in used French oak barrels for 12 months.
Tasting Notes: An elegant and aromatic profile offering light red fruit, finely integrated sweet spices, and delicate floral and herbal nuances that elevate the bouquet. The palate is balanced, more mineral and without the sweet intensity of other Ripassos (owing to the grapes being grown in partly volcanic soils), nevertheless it shows a long, smooth and creamy finish. A fresh, savoury aftertaste supported by firm structure, fine tannins, and well-integrated alcohol. Already showing exceptional balance and poise, it promises significant ageing potential.
