Region: Veneto, Italy

Varietal: 100% Corvina

Tasting notes: A rather unknown grape variety outside of the wines it is usually blended in (Valpolicella, Amarone and Bardolino), Pinot Noir fans will enjoy this wine. The nose features bright cherry, apricot, and basil with a touch of chalky soil. The palate is juicy, clean and crisp with flavors of the sort of fresh raspberries and cherries that stain your hands. The finish features all these with a lilt of citrus peel. A perfect late summer aperitif with charcuterie.

Producer: In almost every way, the small, family operated estate of Monte Tondo sets itself apart. Contrasting the large coops which dominate the Soave Classico region, Monte Tondo represents the true artisanal minority: not only are their wines low yield, single estate and picked by hand, but in lieu of grapes grown in the vast alluvial flatlands, Monte Tondo’s whites hail from various crus on the hillside above the town, each complete with its own unique soil profile. Likewise, the Valpolicella vineyard is also lofty at 450 meters, to the extent the grapes are actually harvested in mid-October.

Vineyard and Winemaking: Made using organically grown grapes by the family run winery Monte Tondo, this Corvina is an example of why the grape deserves its place in a single varietal wine. The wine spends 7 to 9 days on the skins, a relatively short amount of time for a red wine which helps retain it lightness and soft tannins. The wine only spends time in stainless steel before bottling which ensure a fruity and fresh glass.