Michele Castellani
Amarone della Valpolicella Colle Cristi
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
2021 was a great vintage, helping the Rossos to punch well above their weight. A warm growing season and dry harvest period lead to very high-quality fruit.
Tasting Note
The nose on Colle Cristi is exceptionally floral, with lots of ripe red fruit on the palate. A full-bodied wine with fine-grained tannins that turn savory through a long finish. It will be great in years to come but is also showing beautifully now.
Color
Red
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
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.