Produced by Monte Dall’Ora in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, San Giorgio Alto 2019 is one of the estate’s most distinctive and terroir-driven wines, reflecting the uncompromising philosophy of Carlo and Alessandra Venturini. Since establishing the estate in the 1990s, the couple have become leading advocates for biodynamic farming and traditional winemaking in Valpolicella, focusing on vineyard health, biodiversity and minimal intervention rather than concentration or cellar manipulation. Their hillside vineyards around Castelrotto are planted on a mosaic of limestone, basalt and clay soils, with altitude and natural ventilation helping to preserve freshness and balance. San Giorgio Alto is produced in very limited quantities.
Made from traditional local varieties led by Corvina and Corvinone, the wine is crafted with spontaneous fermentations, native yeasts and gentle extraction before ageing in large oak casks that allow the vineyard character to remain at the forefront. The excellent 2019 vintage brought both ripeness and structure, producing wines of concentration without sacrificing freshness. Aromas of black cherry, wild berry and plum are layered with dried herbs, violet, sweet spice and subtle earthy notes. The palate is deep and finely structured, with supple tannins, vibrant acidity and a savoury mineral backbone that reflects the estate’s limestone-rich soils. While possessing impressive depth and complexity, the wine remains remarkably poised and energetic, illustrating Monte Dall’Ora’s signature style of elegance, transparency and drinkability rather than sheer power.
