Prà is a biodynamic producer making outstanding wines from Veneto. With Morandina they deliver a light, refreshing fruit-forward expression of what this red blend can be. Already a renowned Soave maker, Graziano Prà acquired Morandina vineyard located 500m above sea level, where the climate is a little cooler. Being used to a different style of Valpolicella, I was more than eager to give this one a taste.
Morandina Valpolicella 2017
Produced & bottled by: Azienda Agricola Prà
Type: Dry Red from North Italy
Region: DOC Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
Aging: 3 to 6 months in oak casks from Allier Forest
ABV: 13%
Grapes: 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 23% Rondinella, 7% Oseleta
Appearance: 8.5/10
The wine comes in a brown bottle but you can clearly see that it is very pale & translucent in colour right through the glass. The label is simplistic & offers little information, not mentioning anything about their organic agriculture. Given the lighter expression of this Valpolicella, a screw cap could’ve been used. However I’m thankful that they kept the cork, because this is a fantastic wine that would be pleasant to evaluate as it ages. The liquid is in fact a pale ruby red, translucent with a very bright colour. Those characteristics indicate me that it will most likely be light, fruity & vibrant. The appearance is captivating & it urges me to dive my nose into the glass.
Nose: 13/15
The aromas of the wines are intense leading with some sour red cherries, cooked strawberries, fresh raspberries & cranberries. There is also a rich amalgam of floral notes that I would describe as potpourri with a strong accent on roses. I detect a faint earthy character that is reminiscent of potting soil, however, at some point it evolves into a greener tone, similar to vegetable stems. The minimal aging in oak barrels leaves a lot of space for the grape to express its full potential making this a particularly fruit-forward Valpolicella. I still get some hints of oak like leather & cinnamon. Even if it’s really fragrant with dominant aromas of berries, the nose is quite complex with layered intensity of these red berries. Sometimes the strawberries seem more powerful while at another point the cherries are ruling. The wine evolves at a quick pace when it’s properly aerated. This wonderful nose is invigorating & only makes me want to pursue my tasting further.
Mouth: 13.5/15
The wine is halfway between being light & medium-bodied. It has a bit of weight on the tongue but it’s very fluid, with an aqueous texture. A healthy dose of acidity paired with scattered grippy tannins & a dry palate turns this wine into an easy-sipper. The presence of oak is faintly more noticeable with the same leathery & baking spices bouquet. Along with the multiple berries, there is a new flavour that makes me think of black tea, figs & cloves. Those elements bring a nice depth to the wine’s profile. However, the sour cherries, dried cranberries, juicy raspberries & jammy strawberries are still prevalent.
Finish: 8/10
Medium finish lingering on plenty of red berry notes. The acidity & the tannins complement each other until the very end.
Overall: 86/100
Makes me think of some Cru Beaujolais. Light, refreshing, vibrant & fruit-forward yet maintains a spicy & more rustic background adding depth & complexity. I rarely buy twice the same bottles even through different vintages as I feel there are way too many wines to try, but this one will certainly find its way back into my cellar. A fantastic Valpolicella in its purest expression.
3-word Description:
Red Berries, Vibrant & Complex.
The Reference:
More information @vinipra.it
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