Michele Castellani
Region
Stories of post-World War II Italy usually involve vineyards, or entire regions in some cases, being abandoned as people rebuilt their lives in big cities or abroad. Not Castellani. Michele Castellani started his estate in 1945 and under the family’s stewardship, it has developed into one of the most respected wineries in Valpolicella. Castellani was a premium fruit source for some of the area’s famous names for decades, and didn’t start bottling on their own until 1990. Today, they have 17 hectares of certified organic vineyards on their beautiful hillside estate.
Castellani remains a family affair. Michele’s son Sergio runs the estate with his daughter (Michele’s granddaughter) Mara, while her brothers handle the vines and the complex fermentations.
Wines
Amarone della Valpolicella Colle Cristi
Colle Cristi is a selection from the top of the hill and yields a very elegant style of Amarone. It’s made from the traditional grapes of the region: 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 10% Molinara, which are dried for 3 months. Unlike many of their neighbors, Castellani only uses free run-juice for their Amarone and the remainder is pressed for their Ripasso. This is a full-bodied wine with fine-grained tannins that turn savory through a long finish.
Amarone della Valpolicella Cinque Stelle
Cinque Stelle comes from vineyards just below Colle Cristi. The vines are also slightly more southern exposed, in alluvial, clay soils, leading to bigger, richer wines than those from higher up. Unlike many of their neighbors, Castellani only uses free run-juice for their Amarone and the remainder is pressed for their Ripasso. This is a bold red with a robust core of dark chocolate, raisins and red cherries.
Valpolicella Classico Borgata
The bright, floral nature of the Borgata Valpolicella is a beautiful counterpoint to the brooding power of the Amarones, and even the Ripasso. Freshness is king in this classically dry blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. They select grapes with the highest potential acidity, limit the malolactic fermentations, and age the wine in concrete and steel. Notes of cherry and red fruits making for a pleasantly fresh, vibrant, and balanced wine.
Valpolicella Ripasso San Michele
Castellani's Ripassos are made with gold-standard methods in Valpolicella. Because the Amarone grape skins aren't pressed, the Ripasso (made via a blend of Amarone skins and Valpolicella Classico) benefits from the fresh, flavorful slurry of fruit and juice known as a "baby Amarone." The result is a complex wine with aromas of blackberries, plums, cedar, and spice. It is medium-bodied and supple on the palate, with polished tannins and balanced acidity.
Valpolicella Ripasso San Michele DOC 2019
Valpolicella Ripasso
Castellani's Ripassos are made with gold-standard methods in Valpolicella. Because the Amarone grape skins aren't pressed, the Ripasso (made via a blend of Amarone skins and Valpolicella Classico) benefits from the fresh, flavorful slurry of fruit and juice known as a "baby Amarone." The result is a complex wine with aromas of blackberries, plums, cedar, and spice. It is medium-bodied and supple on the palate, with polished tannins and balanced acidity.