2017 Begali Lorenzo 'La Cengia' Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

From the Wine Advocate:

"I have nothing but good words for the wines of Lorenzo Begali and his family. Elegance is the common thread that connects them all and this is by no means easy to achieve with consistent results, especially when you factor in the appassimento, the laborious air-drying process. Begali will tell you that his secret is in overhead, pergola-trained grapevines. This traditional growing system has gone out of fashion only to return to fashion more recently. It is commonly thought that pergola allowed for too much vigor, but Begali argues that this system actually reduces yields when managed properly.

If you can name but two producers in Valpolicella (I’m betting they are Dal Forno and Quintarelli), it’s now time to add a third: Lorenzo Begali. Lorenzo and his children Giordano and Tiliana make some of the most exciting wines in the region today. Visiting this small estate, tall and lanky Giordano will win you over with his impassioned dedication to the traditional Pergola Veronese growing system. He and his father believe that overhead trellising is the secret to making quality wine and controlling yields. Having now tasted this beautiful collection of new releases, I am a true Begal-iever."

Tasting Notes: 65% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 5% other autochthonous grapes. Ruby in color with garnet reflections. Intense Complex and rich, full-bodied, and warm.