Ca'Rugate Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto

Tasting Note

Intense garnet red in colour, with concentrated sweet fruit aromas of currants, ripe blueberries and cherries, enhanced with a hint of spicy oak. Beautifully balanced on the palate, it is rich, full bodied and complex with a lingering finish.

Producer Note

The family business has been handed down through the generations of the Tessari family since the early 1900's. The estate was renamed Ca'Rugate in 1986, taking its name from the volcanic hills where the vineyards are located. Now run by the fourth generation, Michele has brought with him a lively, passionate and entrepreneurial spirit. Considerable expansion has taken place in recent years with investment in a new technologically advanced cellar and expansion into the Valpolicella area with the purchase of vineyards in the hilly zone of Montecchia di Crosara. Ca'Rugate has been awarded the prestigious 'Tre Bicchieri' award rating from Gambero Rosso multiple times, making it one of the most awarded producers in the competition and has been hailed by the New York Times as one of the "Top Five producers of high end Soave".

Vineyard

The grapes come from a vineyard on the hills of Montecchia di Crosara, where the soil is gravel and limestone. Hand picked during the last two weeks of September and laid in flat small wooden boxes containing an average of just six kilograms. This allows good airflow during the crucial drying process.

Winemaking

The grapes are left to dry gently in well-ventilated, humidity controlled rooms, for around four to five months, concentrating their flavours, sweetness and colour. In winter, the grapes are crushed, fermentation starts with a natural yeast. The must finishes its fermentation in 500l oak casks. The wine then matures in wood for 25-30 months, before bottling.

Serving Suggestion

Traditionally served to accompany game, char-grilled meats, roasts with rich flavoursome sauces and mature cheese.

Grape

Corvina 40%, Corvinone 30%, Rondinella 30%