Michele Castellani
Amarone della Valpolicella Cinque Stelle 2019
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.
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
2019 was a great vintage in Valpolicella and the Consorzio awarded it “five stars.” A cool, wet spring gave way to a warm summer which allowed for even ripening across the region.
Tasting Note
Cinque Stelle is a bold red wine with a robust nose of dark chocolate, raisins and red cherries. The palate is beautifully balanced with bursts of bright acidity and a long finish.
Color
Red
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
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 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.
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.
