The land of the Serego Alighieri properties is located in the heart of Valpolicella, surrounded by green hills, a few kilometers from the historic center of Verona.
The estate, at the time already famous for the excellence of its vineyards, was purchased in 1353 by Pietro Alighieri, son of the Supreme Poet Dante, who had followed his father during his exile in Verona.
In 1549 the union between the Alighieri family, which had found itself having only female heirs, and the Serego, a powerful family in the area, took place. Since then, the descendants have borne the double surname Serego Alighieri.
Since 1973 Serego Alighieri has been one of the estates of great historical and wine-growing value of the Masi Group.
Overlooking the courtyard and the vineyards, there is the historic drying room where Appassimento is carried out, a method traditionally used in the Veneto region to concentrate aromas and scents in wines.
The rooms are set up with bamboo racks, the “arele”, on which the bunches are placed to dry for at least 100 days.
The grapes that make up the classic blend of Valpolicella are Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara.
In the Serego Alighieri winery, wines of recognizable character rest and the scent you breathe comes from the presence of 600-liter cherry barrels.
Still used according to the ancient tradition of the Serego Alighieri family, cherry wood helps to increase the softness and roundness of the wines by accentuating the typical aroma of Valpolicella grapes.
I took a guided tour of the Serego Alighieri Cellars with a tasting of 4 wines: Possessioni, TOAR, Costasera and Casal dei Ronchi.
POSSESSIONI (Valpolicella Classico DOC)
Appearance: lively ruby red
Nose: cherry with light spicy notes of cinnamon
Food pairings: ideal to accompany both traditional local dishes (from fresh pasta to risottos) and tasty vegetarian recipes and medium-aged cheeses.
TOAR (Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC)
Appearance: dark ruby red
Nose: strong aromas of cherry, blueberry and hints of vanilla
Food pairings: traditional first courses, grilled or roasted meats and medium-aged cheeses.
COSTASERA (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG)
Appearance: very intense ruby red
Nose: cooked fruit, plum and cherry
Food pairings: grilled or roasted red meats, game, tasty and slightly spicy cheeses.
CASAL DEI RONCHI (Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG)
Appearance: Dark Red
Nose: intense cherry and walnut
Food pairings: dessert and conversation wine. It goes perfectly with pastefrolle, rustic and dry desserts, pandoro and strawberries. Also suitable for soft cheeses and gorgonzola.
