PRA - "Morandina" Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 750ml 2021 (15% ABV)

PRA are benchmark producers in Soave but have made a name for themselves as an under-the-radar house for Valpolicella and Amarone. These reds are sourced from high elevation plots rich with limestone, which yields wines with more finesse than many of their Veneto counterparts.

"Morandina" comes from vineyards in the zones of Mezzane and Tregnano in Valpolicella planted in 2001. Soil is glacial / chalky. "Ripasso" is considered the younger brother to Amarone - where Valpolicella fruit is poured over / passed over the dried grapes used for Amarone (so some of that intense, baked prune flavor is gained) and then macerated for 5 days.

Dark ruby red color. Maraschino cherry, tobacco, rose petals, black pepper, cigar box, lavender, herbaceous, green pepper, forest floor. Full bodied and velvety but still graceful. Decanting recommended.

92 pts Wine Enthusiast 

"The Corvina gives spiciness and cherry aromas, Corvinone gives glycerine and vibrant freshness, Rondinella adds delicate fruit and light floral aromas whilst Oseleta provides colour and robust tannins." - Graziano Pra

region: Veneto, Italy

varietal: 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 23% Rondinella, 7% Oseleta

style: bold red

farming/cellar: certified organic, hand harvested, juice is passed over dried Amarone grapes and then macerated for 5 days, matured for 12 months in mostly neutral French oak (Allier tonneaux).

pairing: rigatoni w. lamb ragu, pepperoni pizza, braised beef short ribs