What kind of wine is Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Ventale' 2021 - Santi

Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Ventale' 2021 - Santi is a red wine from Veneto born on the hills of eastern Valpolicella, specifically in the Illasi valley, in the province of Verona. It is made from typical local grapes – Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella – which together provide a balance of aroma, structure, and freshness.

This is a "Superiore" Valpolicella, meaning a more full-bodied and mature version compared to basic Valpolicella. This implies a slightly higher alcohol content and a longer aging period, elements that make Ventale a wine of good complexity, yet always pleasant and easy to drink.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but not excessive summers and significant temperature excursions between day and night. These conditions allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness, preserving freshness and aromas. The result is a harmonious wine, rich in red fruit aromas and endowed with pleasant vibrancy.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Ventale' 2021 - Santi follows local tradition. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the grapes undergo a brief maceration on the skins, which is the period when the must remains in contact with the solid parts of the grape to extract color and tannins.

Aging takes place in a mix of different woods – oak, chestnut, and cherry barrels – which give the wine complexity and softness. After the period in the barrel, Ventale rests for another six months in the bottle before being released to the market, to achieve full aromatic harmony.

Tasting Notes

Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Ventale' 2021 - Santi is a wine that captivates with its balance and pleasantness. Below are its main organoleptic characteristics:

Color

It presents an intense ruby red with violet reflections, bright and vibrant, a sign of freshness and youth.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and fragrant, with aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and small red berries, accompanied by elegant spicy nuances and light notes of sweet wood from aging.

Palate

On the palate, it is soft, balanced, and of good structure. The tannins are fine and smooth, the sip is smooth yet enveloping, with a long and persistent finish that recalls sensations of red fruit and spices.

Food Pairings for Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Ventale' 2021 - Santi

Thanks to its versatility, Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Ventale' 2021 - Santi pairs perfectly with numerous dishes of traditional Italian cuisine. It is ideal to accompany:

• Fresh pasta with meat sauces or ragù;
• Grilled red meats or light roasts;
• Cured meats and semi-aged cheeses;
• Typical Venetian dishes such as pastissada de caval or lasagna.

Thanks to its balance of freshness and structure, it is also a perfect wine to accompany everyday meals, making every occasion special.

Storage and Aging: How to store Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Ventale' 2021 - Santi

To best preserve the aromatic and gustatory qualities of Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Ventale' 2021 - Santi, it is essential to store it correctly. The wine should be kept in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, ideally between 14 and 16°C, with the bottle placed horizontally to keep the cork moist.

Although it is pleasant to drink immediately, thanks to its balanced structure and good body, it can evolve positively for 3-5 years after the harvest, developing more complex and round notes. A wine, therefore, that offers satisfaction both immediately and over time.