2021 Pra Valpolicella "Morandina" Veneto, Italy (750ml)   

About the Icons
Graziano Pra is best known for his white wines from Soave, and the reds from Valpolicella have been a later - and much welcome - addition Located in the sub-zones of Mezzane and Tregnano at around 450 meters, the soils here were formed from glacial runoff and they contain a high percentage of active limestone. So while some wines from Valpolicella are about power, ripeness and brawn, especially the Amarone, Prà’s reds have a bright freshness and mineral core.

The straight Valpolicella “Morandina” is a pure joy to drink (think fresh, crunchy, Cru Beaujolais-like fruit with a bright, chalky core). The Valpolicella Ripasso “Morandina”, not surprisingly, has a bigger density of plush, bright red and black fruits. But it too has wonderful, lifted aromatics and a mineral freshness. And, lastly, with Prà’s Amarone itself, it avoids the overtly heavy, raisin/chocolate profile, and balances tremendous power with real finesse and a lovely, floral and high-toned, ripe plum profile. A unique wine of its kind, for sure.