Bardolino-Valpolicella, Veronese reds compared

Here are two Veronese reds that will win you over with their personality: the Bardolino Montebaldo Morlongo Anniversary 2020 Villabella and the Valpolicella Classico Caleselle 2021 Santi, both on sale for 10 euros.

The two appellations Bardolino and Valpolicella are geographically contiguous, both in the province of Verona, and share the same grapes, essentially Corvina (and Corvinone) and Rondinella. While the former enjoys the "Mediterranean" climate of Lake Garda, characterized by hot but not sultry summers and mild winters, the latter also enjoys a mild and not excessively rainy climate, although it does not reach the mildness of the lake climate.

The essential characteristics of Bardolino consist of freshness, aromas of small fruits and spice, considerable drinkability and matchability, and a youthful character, characterized by a typical saline hint, as testified by numerous experts since 1900. The reds produced in Valpolicella, depending on the area of production, are medium alcoholic, well-structured and with an interesting polyphenolic framework.

We have chosen one wine per zone to give an idea of the different characteristics, Bardolino Montebaldo Morlongo Anniversary 2020 from Villabella and Valpolicella Classico Caleselle 2021 from Santi. The fact that the Bardolino is one year older and bears the designation of one of the three subzones, Montebaldo, that of the area named after the mountain range of the same name, where the altitudes are higher and the climate is cooler, upsets the cards on the table and complicates things, but we are sure you will also enjoy the game of learning to distinguish the differences.

Always owned by the Cristoforetti and Delibori families, Villabella offers wines typical of the Verona area from Lake Garda to Valpolicella Classica. Just inland from the lake, the families own Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais & Spa, an 18th-century structure surrounded by vineyards that houses the starred restaurant Oseleta and gives its name to one of the winery's wine lines with organic references.

Santi, a historic winery in Illasi, Valpolicella, in the Gruppo Italiano Vini galaxy, recently completed its renovation with the renovation of the cellar, with relevant changes to adapt to the winemaking philosophy defined by winemaker Cristian Ridolfi: an indoor area for appassimento and an expansion of the aging woods, 230 barrels of different capacity and origin. Adjacent to the buildings where the wines are made is the store with an assortment of historic vintages as well. 

- Villabella Bardolino Montebaldo Morlongo Anniversario 2020

- Santi Valpolicella Classico Caleselle 2021

As always, click on the name to read description, score and price.

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