The Ravazzol vineyard is a recognized quality Cru of long standing located in the steep hills of Valpolicella’s Marano Valley. The vineyard’s rich, calcareous soil imparts great complexity and clarity to low yields of the region’s traditional blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and the wine is left to mature in large oak botte. Deep ruby with a medium body, the wine has clean flavors and aromas of red cherry and spice.
Regional History
The ancients believed Venetians were directly descended from the survivors of the Fall of Troy. Like the Trojans, they were tremendous artisans, and their agricultural ability was particularly admired. More likely, the Venetians came from the vast diaspora of peoples out of the Carpathian Mountains around 1500 BC. It was homage to these people that prompted the Romans to name the Tenth Imperial Region after them: the Veneti. Pliny, Virgil, Suetonius and Martial all refer to Reticum and Acinaticum, the direct ancestors of modern Veronese wine. North of Verona, you find Valpolicella, the “Valley of Many Cellars,” whose series of five limestone and granite valleys jutting from the foothills of the Dolomites produce some of the most fragrant and supple wines in Northeastern Italy.
Regional Foods
Veneto touches the Adriatic Sea at Venice and runs north through the Dolomites to the Austrian border. Its southern and western limits are the large alluvial plain formed by the Garda basin and the valley north of the Po River. This tremendous variety of landscape has provided Veneto with an equally varied cuisine: seafood from both Lake Garda and the Adriatic; game, mushrooms and mountain herbs from the Dolomites; the best vegetables of Northeastern Italy – as well as its two staples, corn and rice – come from the Po Valley. Polenta was introduced in the 17th century and was prepared in much the same way as other grain flours that preceded it. It can be plain, grilled or fried and paired with meats, game and fish. Rice, introduced by the Venetian traders as early as 1400, is the inspiration for as many as forty different risottos. Rice is also prepared with fish and vegetables. One of the fonder pairings of rice and vegetables is Risi e Bisi, or rice and fresh young peas.
© 2007 Moore Brothers Wine Company