Cantina Musella Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2017

Musella is located in the eastern part of the Valpolicella region where the acidic soils yield wines of immense freshness, vitality and energy. We met passionate biodynamics advocate, Maddalena Pasqua di Bisceglie, through a mutual friend and winemaker (our favourite way of finding new producers).

Her father co-founded Pasqua – one of the Veneto’s and Italy’s largest family producers. Exiting in 1994 he purchased their most stunning 27 ha estate. The vineyards, mostly western facing, are located on three different hillsides separated by lush forests, home to many deer, wild boar and nowadays even wolves (all three make electric fencing a must).  Given the hard frosts of 2017, the wildlife was particularly hungry and ate a lot of the shoots and fruit.  Yields were low but of excellent quality. 

This is a truly traditional Amarone. Only the best bunches are chosen and then dried in ventilated open lofts (i.e. no fans blowing warm air) for up to 12 weeks, losing around 35% of their weight. This concentrated fruit is gently pressed in January and ferments at the naturally low temperatures of the winery (13-17° C). The wine ages in Allier oak barrels of varying size and age. A seductive nose with notes of warm spice, roses, bright cherry and berry fruit. Ripeness, freshness and fruitiness are in harmony right through to the long finish.

Tasting Profile

Aroma:

Baking Spice, Boysenberry, Dark Chocolate

Palate:

Baked Fruit, Blackcurrant, Earthy

Food Pairings:

Game

Red Meat