1999 Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco

Five generations have superintended winemaking in the Tedeschi household. The dynasty began in 1824 when Nicolò - still remembered for his gigantic stature and strong personality - acquired his first vineyards. The next generation Lorenzo, the Grandfather, enlarged the vineyard and was nicknamed "demijohn" as he used to cart the wine in the Demijohns to Verona. Ricardo, the father transformed the wine making business into a family project and also purchased the Monte Fontana and Monte Olmi vineyards. Ricardo's sons began running the business in the 1960's. Silvino who handles the vineyards and Renzo who translates his brothers intuitions into today's technology but remaining aware that only a fool abandons the traditions and rites that has made them great. The business continues to be handed down through the generations from father to son and today Renzo's three children are all involved in the company to keep the Tedeschi name and the story of its wine alive and enduring.

Made using an ancient Veronese technique called Ripasso. This consists of passing the produced Valpolicella Classico onto the skins of the grapes from Amarone. The grape varieties are 30% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30 % Rondinella and 10 % Molinara, Rossignola, Oselata, Negrara, Dindarella and Sangiovese. The vineyards are located on the Moraine hills in the Classic Valpolicella zone in the north eastern region of Veneto.

The grapes are hand harvested in October and fermentation takes place in small fermentation vats for a period of approximately 14 days. The wine is then rested in stainless steel tanks until March when the skins of the Amarone and Recioto are poured into the must. This causes the wine to perform a slight secondary fermentation that lasts about 15 days. This method produces interesting and complex characters in the wine. The wine is then aged for a further 2 years in oak barrels and after bottling six months in the cellar before release.

TASTING NOTE : Made from a most unusual variety of grapes which is a taste experience. Crimson brick red colour. Medium body. Appealing nose of spice and cherry with an earthy end note. Full bodied, with velvet smooth tannins - perfect balance with flavours of spice, prune, earth and dark cherry over a truffle background with just a hint of raspberry emerging. Long earthy spice prune aftertaste.
Cellar 2-3 years (2004-2005)
Alc/Vol: 13.5%

RATING: 89/100

VALUE: XXX/5