The Veneto wine region in northeastern Italy is recognizable due to the volume of Pinot Grigio it produces, and the massive growth in demand for Prosecco. However, continued recognition for other wines from the region, such as Valpolicella, Amarone, Soave and Bardolino, help keep Veneto in the spotlight. The Santi winery has been a leading business in Valpolicella since 1843, the year in which it was founded in Illasi, a historical town in the far eastern part of the province of Verona, nestled in the foothills of the Lessini Mountains. The Mountains extend north from Verona from the Valpolicella region to the Alps. The original winery is situated in the heart of the most acclaimed wine-growing zones in the Veneto near Lake Garda. Devoted to the production of Soave Classico, Pinot Grigio, Valpolicella and Amarone, Santi is an Italian winemaking success story. Santi wines are mainly crafted from estate fruit, or from long-standing relationships with area vineyards. We will taste:

Sorteselle Pinot Grigio Valdadige 2022 — In Trentino dialect, ‘sortesele’ is the diminutive of ‘sorti,’ or “small parts of vineyard.” According to ancient custom, Sortesele were large parcels of vineyard for which the heirs of an agricultural property drew lots. This wine is straw yellow hue, accompanied by a close-focused nose of pear, apricot and white flowers. The fruity palate, with notes of stone fruit, shows ripeness and roundness well supported by an elegant acidity and savoriness, ensuring a long, lingering finish. 12.5% ABV. $21.99/$7.50

Solane Valpolicella Ripasso 2019 — Santi Valpolicella Classico Superiore is a “ripasso” method Valpolicella, meaning that following primary fermentation, the wine sees a second fermentation with the addition of Amarone grapes and skins, creating a richer, more complex and more exciting final wine. Deep ruby color; the typical, clean and complex scent has intense hints of fresh red fruit and maraschino jam, wrapped in hints of vanilla. The taste is warm and frank, balanced, with an elegant spicy and toasted bottom. It has a strong personality thanks to the distinct elegance and subtlety of perfumes, to the flavor and persistence in the mouth. Great and pleasant when young, it improves over time. Varietals: 80% Corvina, 20% Rondinella.13% ABV. $23.99/$8

See you Friday!