Valpolicella - Superiore - Piubello

The Valpolicella Superiore DOC Piubello by Corte Canella is the most unusual and original wine in this Veronese winery's range — the one that most surprises those who already know the Soave Classico, the Amarone and the Recioto Le Sore, because it brings to a Valpolicella Superiore at €16.50 a production complexity and aromatic personality that you simply don't expect at this price.

"Piubello" — a Veronese dialect term indicating a quiet, sheltered place, a protected corner of the countryside — carries in its name the calm and patience of a wine that required 24 months of wood ageing to express its full potential. The blend is already a surprise in itself: Corvina 60% and Corvinone 25% as the classic Valpolicella base, Rondinella 10% for aromatic freshness, and an unusual 5% of Teroldego — the robust and tannic Trentino variety that Corte Canella has chosen to add for structure, colour and a spiced and peppery note that distinguishes it from any other Valpolicella Superiore in the catalogue. The presence of Teroldego in a Valpolicella DOC is rare and courageous — a strong signal of production identity.

The technique is ambitious for a Superiore: 2 months of partial grape drying — not the 90 days of Amarone but enough to concentrate aromas and structure — followed by 24 months of ageing in French and American oak tonneaux. The combination of French and American oak is a precise stylistic choice: the French brings finesse, silky tannins and warm spice notes; the American brings more intense vanilla, light coconut and a fruit roundness that softens the tannic structure. The result is a Superiore with a richer and more international aromatic profile than the classic Valpolicella aged in Slavonian barrels. Six months of bottle ageing follow before release.

On the nose it is rich and unusual for the category: ripe cherry, blackberry, plum, warm and peppery spice (black pepper, cinnamon, cloves), vanilla, tobacco, Veronese aromatic herbs and that subtle spiced and ferrous note that is the signature of Teroldego in the blend. On the palate it is full and structured for the price — 14.5% well integrated, present and already polished tannins from the extended mixed wood ageing, a glyceric sweetness rounded by the American oak vanilla, a balancing fresh acidity and a medium-long finish with notes of dark fruit, spice and integrated wood. Serve at 16-17°C. A Valpolicella Superiore that deserves an hour of decanting.

At €16.50 for a Superiore with partial appassimento, 24 months in mixed wood and Teroldego in the blend, this is one of the most interesting and original Valpolicella Superiores in the entire catalogue.