This is a traditional Valpolicella, representative of the region and Bertani family tradition. The “Classico” designation refers to the areas where the very first Valpolicella vineyards were planted – on quality hillside sites, yielding the best fruit and therefore best wines. Typical aromas of fruit (blueberry, cherry) are accented by spicy notes of cinnamon and pepper. The palate is soft, fruity and warm with structured tannins, balanced with a pleasant acidity and a long finish.
Plums and nutty spice on the nose, together with notes of pressed flowers, following through to a tasty, medium-bodied palate with a lightly firm tannin grip, but persistent fruit pushing through the finish. Nicely done. Drink now.
The 2021 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is remarkably pretty, with a cascade of rosy florals and confectionary spices accentuating crushed blackberries. This is soft and round in feel, with juicy acidity and crisp red and blue fruits complicated by a tinge of white pepper. The 2021 finishes notably fresh yet potent and long, leaving hints of crunchy raspberry and suggestions of black tea. What a beauty.
The 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore wafts up with unprecedented freshness as an herbal twang gives way to wild strawberries and zesty citrus tones. It's silky-smooth with a balanced inner sweetness complicated by tangy red fruits and mineral tones. A peppery flourish comes through as this finishes fresh yet still potent, leaving lingering raspberry hints.
Rich, flint ruby with a garnet rim. Exciting and inviting nose, notes of ripe raspberry, cherry and blackberry, some dried tomatoes. Pithy, savoury tannin on the palate, unfolds straightforwardly, firm drive on the finish.
Aromas of cherries and raspberries, dried flowers, chocolate, cedar and dry earth. Medium-bodied with round texture and dusty tannins. Ripe and velvety with a flavorful, slightly salty finish. Drink now.
The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore pulls you to the earth with its smoky mix of peppery herbs, flowery undergrowth and crushed wild berries. It's silky-smooth with an enveloping wave of mineral-tinged raspeberry that gives way to a captivating air of lavender and violets. This leaves the palate refreshed through the long yet lifted finale. The 2019 is, yet again, another killer Valpolicella from Tenuta Santa Maria.
Intriguing, quite heady nose, offering strawberry jam, matcha tea and hints of hazelnuts and something like grated parmesan. Full-bodied with a silky start, then firm tannins appear, coated with a mix of sugar-cane and savory elements that linger in the mouth. Lots going on here. Drink or hold.
The 2018 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is wildly spicy with a sour citrus twang contrasting rich cherry-berry fruits. It’s a juicy, high-energy effort, with vibrant shades of red offset by tactile minerality and brisk acids. Long and full of character, this leans more toward blue and purple fruits throughout the finale. There's a lot of pleasure to be found in the 2018 Valpolicella from Tenuta Santa Maria, and it's a great value as well.
Extremely ripe on the nose with sweet notes of strawberries, vanilla and toasted pine nuts. Medium-full body, slightly biting tannins and a warm and enveloping finish. Sweet. Drink now.
The Bertani family can trace its roots in Negrar, the heart of the Classico zone, back to the 15th century. Grapes are hand harvested; the wine spends 12 months in large oak casks so that classic red forest fruits and silky tannins can develop. On the nose, it has soft, ripe red fruits, while the well-balanced palate displays ripe plum and pomegranate and a hint of spice. Stunning juicy core, round tannins and an elegant finish.
Spicy and dark fruit on the nose. Wet earth, as well as sweet fruit and orange peel. Medium body. Firm, silky tannins and flavorful finish. Shows focus and brightness. Drink now.
Ruby red. Ripe red and dark red cherry aromas with spice notes. This is a rich wine showing fresh, ripe flavors. It has a dense, chewy mouth feel, excellent persistence and a lingering savory note. A blend of 75% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, and 15% Corvinone sourced from estate vineyards in Arbizzano di Negrar with a long maceration and fermentation and matured 12 months in large, traditional botti.
This opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, leather and underbrush. The elegantly structured palate offers black cherry, tobacco and white peper alonside fresh acidity and supple tannins. Enjoy through 2023.
Aromas of spices, such as cloves, as well as red peppers and underlying fruit. Medium-bodied, linear and tight with lovely tension and length. Drink now.
Beautiful clear garnet. Appealing nose of peony and stone fruits with elegant herbal undertones. Silky, ample, compelling mouthfeel. Extremely precise palate with charming, chiseled aromas that are not very open yet but show obvious quality. Superb.
