Corte Rugolin (Italy) Valpolicella Classico 2001
This estate is an offshoot of the highly-regarded Bruno Coati, run by Bruno’s son and daughter Elena and Federico. They farm just five hectares in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, and are making serious wines, with very low yields and maturation in small oak barrels. This is a typical Valpolicella blend including Corvina (60%), Rondinella (25%) and Molinara (5%). It has a gorgeous nose; very polished and deep, with sinewy, muscular, but vibrant cherry fruit and hints of chocolaty depth. There’s a suggestion of something terrifically sweet about this too: parma violet or mint perhaps. The palate is very pure and concentrated, with firm red fruit and fine-grained tannins. Acidity is bright and focused, and this has only a background suggestion of warming oak. Delightful stuff and very good indeed/excellent. £6.95 Berry Bros & Rudd
