Monte Dall'Ora 'San Giorgio Alto' Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021

Produced by Monte Dall’Ora in the hills of Valpolicella Classica, San Giorgio Alto 2021 is a striking expression of Carlo and Alessandra Venturini’s biodynamic philosophy and commitment to traditional, low-intervention winemaking. Since founding the estate in the 1990s, the Venturinis have become leading figures in the movement towards more transparent and terroir-focused wines in Valpolicella, farming their vineyards as living ecosystems with a strong emphasis on biodiversity and soil health. The vineyards surrounding Castelrotto are planted on limestone, basalt and clay-rich soils at altitude, where cooler conditions and natural ventilation help preserve freshness and aromatic precision. Produced in limited quantities, San Giorgio Alto showcases a more nuanced and site-driven side of Valpolicella than the region’s richer Amarone styles.

Made from traditional local varieties led by Corvina and Corvinone, the wine is fermented with native yeasts and handled with minimal intervention before ageing in large oak casks that respect fruit purity and vineyard character. The 2021 vintage is regarded as one of the strongest recent years in northern Italy, combining excellent concentration with freshness, structure and remarkable balance. Aromas of black cherry, red plum and wild berries are complemented by notes of violet, Mediterranean herbs, sweet spice and crushed stone. The palate is vibrant and finely detailed, with ripe yet refined tannins, energetic acidity and a long, savoury finish. More focused and lifted than many wines from the region, San Giorgio Alto 2021 captures the elegance, transparency and drinkability that have made Monte Dall’Ora one of Valpolicella’s benchmark artisanal producers, while offering the structure to develop beautifully over the coming decade.