A big rich wine with great length, but elegant nonetheless. 92 James Suckling Points, 93 Vinous points
Lifted aromas of red berry and ripe plum fruit with lightly herbal, minty notes. Ripe fruit, spice and alpine herb characters are balanced with velvety tannins, and a long bramble and bitter cherry finish. Rich and opulent but with unusual finesse and delicacy for ripasso.
Graziano followed his father and grandfather into the wine business, studying oenonlogy, and taking over the family winery in the early 1980s. He bottled his first Soave vintage in 1983. Graziano now also produces red wines from his La Morandina estate in Valpolicella, and his reputation continues to grow. However, for many, his name is still synonymous with Soave - where he is regarded as one of a handful of world class producers who have revitalised the region.
After searching for the right site, Graziano Pra began the new millennium by fulfilling his long term ambition and purchasing a 13 hectare vineyard near Mezzane in eastern Valpolicella.
At 450m altitude, the steep glacial slopes of poor, rocky yellow marl soil produce meagre crops and the cool nights ensure a long ripening period. No chemical treatments are used.
The grapes are dried in a fruttaio (drying room) from 20-30 days then vinified. Maturation in 20hl casks for 18 months.
Delicious with roast pork, wild boar, meaty sausages or beef, mature cheese, salami, and game.
93 Points Vinous, 92 Points James Suckling
