Timeless Elegance in Every Sip
We were invited to visit Tenuta Villa Bellini and to taste their portfolio of Valpolicella wines. We were guided by Alberto, the Marketing and Commercial Manager of the wines and vineyards of the 18th-century walled estate. They call this wall a brolo, a term coined from the Roman era, which means a block of concrete that protects and encloses a garden; and this time, it’s the vines that it protects here in San Pietro in Cariano in Verona.
The six-hectare estate in the hills of Castelrotto cultivates 4 hectares of vines in a mix of pergola and albarello training systems. The age range of the vines is from 40 to 50 years old and select vines are over a hundred years old. Tenuta Villa Bellini has a stringent cultivation of Valpolicella’s superstar grapes such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara.
The rest of the two hectares have olive trees and a diverse mix of plants and trees that contribute to the biodiverse integrity of the territory. They also spread sovescio or cover crops in the vineyards and most especially in between vines to preserve and maintain the estate’s rich sustainable soil management system in place. The soil in the estate is composed of limestones and rock fragments mixed with calcareous soil dating back to the Eocene Epoch.
We also discovered an underground pit that resembles a small cavern to store the snow back in the day. They would collect snow from the Alps and then bring it to Casterotto to fill the pit to become ice and they would use this site to cool wines and other products during the summer.
Tenuta Villa Bellini organic wines are made and stored in the ancient cellar adjoining the estate’s main mansion. Certified organic since its inception in 1989, it continues to apply biodynamic and organic approaches to their way of farming. According to Alberto Allegretto, “All grapes are hand-harvested and only the pre-selected healthy bunches are used for our wines.” It is very labor-intensive but it aids in the production of quality wines. “Our winemaker, Filippo, is a genius in incorporating micro vinification methods to achieve the most authentic quality of our products.”, Allegretto added.
Teatrino Valpolicella Classico 2022 DOC is a light ruby wine with a pleasant nose featuring notes of cherries and blueberries. Its dry and light-bodied nature is complemented by a very fresh and fruity character, rendering a truly tasty experience. The wine exhibits medium acidity, enhancing its vibrancy. On the palate, lots of red fruits unfold, creating a harmonious and flavorful profile. With a moderate alcohol content of 12%, it maintains a refreshing quality. Teatrino, like in a theater, you’re meant to relax and enjoy the show, and this wine is the star.
Tirele Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021 DOC presents itself with a deep ruby hue, indicating its rich and intense nature. Aged for one year in steel tanks and an additional 4-5 months in the bottle, this dry wine boasts a complex profile. The nose reveals a blend of red fruits, spice, and balsamic notes. The soft tannins and aromatic qualities contribute to its overall elegance. This bottle exhibits a unique bouquet, and like the Tenuta Bellini Mansion, the Tirele can age gracefully.
Sottolago Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC, medium ruby hue, has pronounced aromas of red fruits and subtle hints of vanilla. This wine makes a bold entrance on the palate with an intensity that captures the essence of its well-structured profile: Full-bodied, high alcohol, medium acidity, medium tannins, and medium finish. Sottolago’s character is lively and vibrant, a true Valpolicella beauty.
Centenarie Amarone della Valpolicella 2016 DOCG, is deep ruby in color, dry, with notes of fresh fruits and enticingly rich notes of some spice and pepper. Crafted through a meticulous 100 days of appassimento method, the wine’s balsamic tones, velvety tannins, subtle sweetness, and long finish combined is quite the experience. This wine is fermented in large wooden vats and refined for 30 months in French oak. Centenarie is simply sophisticated.
After the intimate tasting, we were brought to the famous Enoteca della Valpolicella to experience the actual food pairing of the Tirele Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021 DOC, and it was perfect with the restaurant’s Tagliatelle con Ragu di Casa. We also had the Radicchio da Campo for antipasti and Montblanc for dessert. Thanks to Alberto for the experience and for introducing us to Chef Ada Riolfi and her daughter, Elisa. Esperienza di abbinamento perfetta. Complimenti!
In conclusion, to put it simply, Tenuta Villa Bellini cultivates great Valpolicella native grapes, and the final product is a great wine.
Tenuta Villa Bellini Organic Wines
Via dei Fraccaroli 6 Castelrotto 37029 San Pietro in Cariano, Verona, Italy
Contact: +39 0456850108; wine@tenutavillanbellini.com
eugephemisms.wordpress.com 