2020 Talestri - Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Gentilezza (750ml)

Talestri is a young winery run by three sisters, Anna, Lisa, and Francesca Marcato, who grew up on their father Francesco's estate in the Veneto, where he made Soave and Durello wines with his brothers. Founded in 2015, the project reflects both their inherited passion for winemaking and a desire to bring a more personal, expressive touch to traditional Valpolicella styles. Their vineyards sit on roughly ten hectares in the easternmost part of Valpolicella, on calcareous soils threaded with basalt from ancient submarine volcanoes.

Gentilezza is made from the classic Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella blend, along with small amounts of other local varieties, following the traditional Ripasso method. After primary fermentation, the wine is left to rest on the skins and pomace left over from Amarone production, gaining extra richness and concentration, then finishes aging in tonneaux and French oak barrels before resting further in bottle.

The result is a ruby red wine with violet and garnet highlights, showing morello cherry, licorice, clove, and cinnamon alongside hints of roasted coffee and a savory, umami-tinged core. Ripe tannins and lively acidity carry flavors of plum and blackcurrant, closing with a touch of black pepper. It suits grilled pork sausage, lamb chops, braised meats, and pasta dressed with a rich meat ragù.