Giacomo Montresor CAMPO VALENTINO Lugana Veneto

A blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara grapes grown on the Montresor estate produces one of the finest wines to come from the Verona area. The grapes are picked in October and are left to dry for four months in the granaries of the estate prior to vinification. The wine is then allowed to age for at least four years in old oak casks in the private cellar of the founder Giacomo Montresor. This full bodied and ultra smooth Amarone is characterized by a deep red colour with pomegranate reflections; an ethereal bouquet reminiscent of peach blossoms, violets, raspberries, and mint; and compound flavours with clear shades of dried grapes. Truly a remarkable wine, of which only 3,000 cases are produced annually, it is best opened for two hours prior to serving at room temperature. (6 x 75 cl)

The 50% Corvina Veronese, 40% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara grapes are harvested in October, then dried on the trellis for 4 months . Traditionally vinified with a very slow fermentation at low temperatures over a 3 to 4 month period, the wine is then aged for 4 years in Slavonian Oak casks. Deep garnet red colour with orange reflections. A strong and characteristic bouquet reminiscent of peach blossoms and raspberries. Warm, velvety and soft palate yet full bodied and well balanced. (6 x 50 cl)

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100% Corvina Veronese grapes hand harvested in October on the Capitel Della Crosara Estate located in the Negrar commune of the Valpolicella Region. The grapes for this single cru wine were grown using traditional methods eliminating the use of herbicides and insecticides. A traditional red wine vinification method was used with the unusual Ripasso practice of fermentation sur lies of the Amarone. The wine was then aged 12 months in Slovenian Oak casks and a further 3 to 4 months in Nevers barriques. Deep clear ruby red colour. A bouquet with typical almond and cinnamon tones. A strong dry velvety taste with scents of cherry, musk, spices and wood. (6 x 75 cl)

Marzemino and Sangiovese are the main grapes for the 2005 Ronchedone, together with a maximum of 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a good depth of colour and perfumes of spicy red fruits on the nose. On the palate it has excellent concentration of spicy, jammy fruit with rounded, soft tannins and good acidity. Good structure supporting the ripe fruit character gives it a nice balance and attractive weight. Over the past decade, the Dal Cero family has transformed their Ca’ dei Frati property into a model Italian estate. When we first began buying their wines in 1987, they had 12 hectares of vineyard; today, they have 50. This increase in quantity has been matched by an increase in quality, and today they remain the best producers in Lugana. The quality of their vineyards is the secret of their success. Many producers in the zone overcrop and train the vines high. At Ca’ dei Frati, the vines are trained low, newer vineyards have a higher density of planting, and yields are well below the average for the zone. (6 x 75 cl)

Region: from the Soave Classico zone in the Veneto, around the towns of Soave and Monteforte d'Alpone. The vineyards are on the hillsides and valleys principally to the north of Soave which enjoys a southern exposure. Tasting note: a slightly more serious wine than basic Soave; fresh and aromatic with hints of nuts on the nose, leading into crisp, dry fruit with flavours of camomile. This wine can be enjoyed up to two years after the vintage. (12 x 75 cl)

A lively, medium-bodied red wine with fresh cherry character. (12 x 75 cl)

Deep ruby red colour with pomegranate reflections, ethereal nose which reminds of peach blossoms, violet, raspberry and mint. On the palate it is intense, refined; it displays full body and smoothness, with clear notes of dried grapes. Ideal with spicy dishes, games and seasoned cheeses. (6 x 75 cl)

Il bianco de l'Otela, as the old inhabitants of Northern Italy's Peschiera sometimes called it, is none other than the Trebbiano di Lugana of the Montresor family, winegrowers for many generations, and the tradition continues. Franscesco left the legal profession and, with his father Ludovico, has dedicated all of his time to the pursuit of the highest quality wines. The Ottella Lugana, thanks to the care dedicated to the vineyard, to the harvest , and to the wonderful nature of the soil, which is born of great distinction. The Montresor family vinifies all the grapes from their own 25 hectares of vineyards and those of longtime growers, in order to guarantee that the highest quality wine possible is derived from the terreno. In this unexpectedly benign climate the much-maligned variety Trebbiano can flourish, especially if it is grown with care and not permitted to over-produce. Here is a beautiful example of the result: a very aromatic bouquet introduces mild, somewhat broad flavors to the palate. The wine is quite dry, but not particularly hard edged, and in a forthright and attractive way makes its case for its grape and soil, and its producer, who must be complemented for coaxing such balance into being. (6 x 75 cl)