What kind of wine is Valpolicella Classico DOC 'Le Caleselle' 2023 - Santi?

Valpolicella Classico DOC 'Le Caleselle' 2023 - Santi is an elegant and harmonious red wine, an authentic expression of the winemaking tradition of Valpolicella Classica. It is made from indigenous Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, cultivated in the most suitable hills between the municipalities of San Pietro in Cariano, Negrar, and Fumane, in an area particularly renowned and known as “Le Caleselle”. It is a medium-bodied red, with a fresh and fruity profile, capable of perfectly representing the style of the Santi winery, which combines respect for tradition with modern and grape-friendly oenological technology.

Vintage Details

2023 was a balanced vintage in Valpolicella, characterized by a mild climate with good day-night temperature variations. The grapes reached homogeneous ripeness, guaranteeing aromatic intensity and a pleasant acidic freshness. The seasonal trend favored the production of a wine with a clear aroma and a balanced taste, ideal for immediate enjoyment but with room for evolution.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Valpolicella Classico DOC 'Le Caleselle' 2023 - Santi follows traditional and detail-oriented methods. After manual harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and subjected to controlled temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with about a week of maceration to extract color and delicate aromas. This is followed by a short period of aging in wooden barrels of different capacities, useful for imparting greater softness and complexity without masking the fruit's freshness. After further resting in the bottle, the wine is ready for sale, maintaining a perfect balance between youth and finesse.

Tasting Notes

Valpolicella Classico DOC 'Le Caleselle' 2023 - Santi captivates with its authenticity and pleasantness on the palate, characteristics that make it an excellent quality everyday red.

Color

It presents with a brilliant, lively, and transparent ruby red color, typical of young Valpolicella, which anticipates its fresh and fragrant nature.

Nose

The nose reveals clear aromas of cherry, sour cherry, and small red fruits, accompanied by light floral notes and a spicy touch of black pepper. The bouquet is clean and inviting, with a recognizable and very pleasant territorial imprint.

Palate

On the palate, it is dry, balanced, and agile. The structure is lean but enveloping, supported by delicate tannins and a lively freshness that invites another sip. The persistence is medium, with fruity hints that leave the mouth clean and satisfied.

Food Pairings for Valpolicella Classico DOC 'Le Caleselle' 2023 - Santi

Versatile and convivial, this wine lends itself to numerous culinary pairings. Excellent with:

• simple but flavorful Italian dishes, such as pasta with light ragù or vegetable sauces;
• roasted white meats and baked poultry;
• semi-aged cheeses and delicate cured meats.

It is also a perfect companion for a gourmet pizza or a lunch with friends, where a pleasant and never overpowering red is sought.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Valpolicella Classico DOC 'Le Caleselle' 2023 - Santi wine, the advice is to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct light, maintaining a constant temperature of about 12-16°C and with the bottles lying down to preserve the cork. Although it is a wine designed to be enjoyed young, thanks to the quality of the grapes and careful winemaking, it can age in the bottle for 2-3 years, acquiring slight spicy nuances and greater harmony between freshness and softness.