Tedeschi, Maternigo, Valpolicella, Superiore, Veneto, 2019

From the Impervio vineyard on the Maternigo estate, the grapes for this wine are harvested slightly overripe and then dried for around two weeks to dry the stems enough to aid pressing, Maternigo undergoes a longer-than-average post-fermentation maceration, followed by maturation for 14 months in Slavonian oak casks. Bold red and black fruits and some earthy hints lead to an intense, deep and concentrated palate that's almost jammy in its sweetness. It's a potent fruit bomb but gains structure and balance from soft tannins and tangy acidity, with a herbal finish.

The Maternigo estate in the eastern part of Valpolicella consists of 34 hectares of vines, from which the steep Impervio vineyard's white and yellow marls produce the fruit for this Valpolicella Superiore at 300m asl, surrounded by woods. Undergoing a longer-than-typical 20-day maceration and ageing in large barrels, it's bursting with aromatic violets, spice, crushed rock, liquorice and chocolate. Blackcurrant and menthol flavour emerge in the mouth; soft, plush and soothing with a lovely medicinal quality, bright acidity, and a poised, balanced conclusion. Fewer than 13,000 bottles produced.