Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve Verona Pragal Rosso (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99, regularly $21.99.
The estate of Santa Maria alla Pieve, historic property of Gaetano Bertani’s family, is located in the southernmost part of the Illasi Valley, enclosed by the wine producing regions of Valpolicella DOC to the west and Soave DOC to the east, fourteen kms outside Verona. The roots of the vineyards are sunk deep into a alluvial terrain alluvial, composed of layers of limestone clay and river stones. The property is situated in a charming hamlet dating back to Roman times. The stately sixteenth-century farmhouse and over twenty hectares of picturesque surroundings.
Our weekly special, their Pragal Rosso is a fruity, spicy blend of Corvina, Merlot, and Syrah giving full expression of the Veneto region, intriguing in its easy elegance and full-bodied structure. Derived from low-yielding vines, the wine is vinified with both fresh and partially dried grapes, and, after a lengthy maceration and fermentation period, refined in large oak barrels for six months in their historic cellars at Arbizzano di Negrar. Deep ruby color lightly blended with garnet red and reflections of violet. Engaging bouquet with alternating hints of red fruit preserves, dried roses and black cherry with subtler tones of dark spice, tobacco and black pepper. Enticing, warm and round, bright acidity with soft, beguiling tannins balanced with great structure and persistence. Enjoy by itself or with some grilled meats. Prost everyone!
Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve Verona Pragal Rosso (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99, regularly $21.99