The relatively young Pra winery has risen to the top over the past 25 years. Their grapes are grown organically on the volcanic slopes, and the results are stunning. While white wines from this Italian winery are often the first to spring to mind, their reds also stand out. They own 30 hectares in Soave and 7 hectares in Valpolicella. They use only indigenous grape varieties, with the white wines primarily made from Garganega or Trebbiano. The reds are made primarily from the renowned Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella.
Graziano Pra always has the ambition to expand and produce wines of an even higher caliber. So, after a long search, he decided to purchase a 13-hectare vineyard near Mezzane in eastern Valpolicella. At an altitude of 450 meters, the steep glacial slopes of poor, rocky, yellow marl soil produce perfect grapes. The cool nights ensure a long ripening period, and no chemical treatments are used. The grapes are harvested by hand and then dried for two months. Afterward, the grapes are destemmed, pressed, and then undergo alcoholic and malolactic fermentation for 15 days in stainless steel vats. The wine is aged for two years in barriques and, in the final year, in oak barrels. Before release, it is also aged for one year in bottle.
This is a wine of great purity, grace, and elegance. It erupts ruby red in the glass with a silky, velvety texture. Aromas of lush bitter cherries, dried orange peel, and ripe red fruit are balanced by a complex and long finish, with lingering notes of chocolate.
