Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and the rare Oseleta — these four grape varieties form the classic backbone of Valpolicella, and Tenuta Santa Maria brings them together in a cuvée that shows what the Classico area in the west of the appellation is all about: structure without heaviness, fruit without sweetness.

The winery traces back to the Bertani family, one of the historical names of Valpolicella. The heirs of Gaetano Bertani manage the Tenuta Santa Maria in the heart of the Classico zone — that core area that gives the DOC its nickname and is known for particularly aromatic, age-worthy wines. The cuvée follows the classic scheme: 75% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella — Corvinone provides structure, Rondinella freshness.

In the glass, the wine shows deep ruby red. On the nose, sour cherry, bitter almond, and a light herbal tone — typical for well-matured Corvina. On the palate, lean and lively, with present but never hard tannin and a fresh acidity structure that carries the finish long. Not a wine that wants to be loud — rather one that reveals more with every minute in the glass.

Serve it at 16–17 °C with grilled fennel sausage, wild boar ragù, or an aged Pecorino. It also makes a good impression with braised beef with olives.