Brunelli - Campo del Maestro 2015

Brunelli – Campo del Maestro 2015 (89 TSW)

Wow. A blend of 9 grapes like 40% Corvina Veronese, 20% Oseleta, 5% Rondinella, 5% Negrara, 10% Corvinone, 5% Croatina, 5% Forselina, 5% Dindarella and  10% Cabernet Franc.

I got this wines from @8wines
Really a great selection of wines!

You can see that you find lots of varieties which are also used in Amarone but there is also 10% of Cabernet franc in this blend. Continuing the tradition of the regions famous Amarone, the grapes for Campo del Maestro undergo 4 months of Appassimento after harvest, which is where the grapes are left to air dry and desiccate, concentrating their sugars as the water content evaporates and once crushed, the wine is matured in barrel for 2 years before bottling.

I must admit that I am skipping some Amarone styles because of the excessive sweetness, but some styles still appeal to me. This blend with 10% Cabernet Franc has still the sweetness but with nice acidity and balance.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a ruby red color.
On the medium+ nose aromas of forest fruit, red berries and dried cherries with hints of chocolate, spices, vanilla and licorice.
On the palate dry, full-bodied with medium+ acidity and soft tannins. Flavours are a recall of the nose with light earthy hints, cinnamon and raisins. Nice long aftertaste.

It is ideal with grilled meats, roasts, game or medium-aged cheeses.

Campo del Maestro is named after the previous owner of a particular parcel of land purchased by the Brunelli family in 2012, it is just a couple of minutes down the road in Pedemonte, situated in the classico region of Valpolicella. The maestro was a teacher at the local school (the translation for teacher in Italian is il maestro) and a dear friend of the Brunelli’s. In addition, he had an incredible depth of knowledge about the local viticulture and native grape varieties, not only being the maestro, but considered a grape master.