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Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
Valpolicella, as we conceive it to be, is a wine which can be defined from a multitude of related wines by the particular methodology we use to produce it. In fact, we faithfully follow the same qualitative and procedural criteria that we use for Amarone. It is enough to just think that, since the 2002 vintage, all grapes that go into the making of Valpolicella are subjected to a light but advantageous drying process which lasts around one and a half months. This process allows the wine to achieve an optimal balance between organoleptic concentration and olfactory freshness.
As a result of said procedure an intense aromatic wine is produced out of the norm of the category in which it historically finds itself placed. Valpolicella offers hints of blueberry, blackberry, cherry and chocolate which emerge gradually as the wine breathes. The potent tannins, which give structure to this product, are in perfect symbiosis with the velvety aromas of sweet spices and jam which envelop the palate and excite the senses. It is suffice to say that time can do nothing other than benefit a wine so extremely fresh and fruity.
Vuosikerta 1998
Italy/Barolo/Barbaresco/Excellent to Exceptional – A vastly underrated vintage, 1998 had the misfortune of being sandwiched between 1997 (a vintage that was overrated) and the stellar 1999. 1998 offers everything you want in a manual Barolo or Barbaresco – nice concentration, firm tannins and precise acidity. In fact, it is the acidity of these wines that, in my opinion, carries these wines, keeping a wonderful freshness and elegance to these wines. This is not the most concentrated vintage of the last decade (1999, 2001 and 2004 produced much more powerful wines), but there is admirable depth of fruit and great balance and finesse. Most of the best Barbaresco bottlings as well as many 1998 Barolos drink beautifully now, while some of the best Barolos will provide another 10-12 years of enjoyment.