Deep garnet color; tart cherry, blackberry, black plum, balsamic, dark chocolate, black tea, earth on the nose and palate.
Dry; fine-grained, chalky tannins; amiable acidity. Medium body, rich, smooth in the mouth. Blend of 70% corvina, 16% sangiovese, 14% molinara. Fruit forward with solid attack of red-black fruit. 13% ABV
Pietro Alighieri, son of the famed Italian poet Dante Alighieri, first bought land in Gargagnago in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica region in 1353. The Serego Alighieri family has owned and managed the vineyard ever since. Masi Agricola—better known for its red wines, especially amarone, ripasso, and Valpolicella—produces this white and demonstrates their considerable skills no matter the color of the grape.
The website notes: “With roots in Valpolicella Classica, Masi produces and distributes Amarone and other premium wines inspired by the values of the Venetian territories. The use of native grapes and autochthonous methods, and the research and experimentation carried out by its Technical Group, make it one of the most famous producers of high-quality Italian wines in the world.
“The Masi story began in 1772, when the Boscaini family acquired prestigious vineyards in the small valley called ‘Vaio dei Masi’, which is the origin of the company’s name. After more than 200 years of passionate winemaking the company is still in family hands, run by the sixth and seventh generations.”
Andrea Tella is the winemaker. He earned a degree in oenology from the University of Milan and completed his practical training at Masi Agricola. He joined Masi on a permanent basis in 2011. The website notes: “He is responsible for managing the Masi Valpolicella cellars, including that of Conti Serego Alighieri, a historic family that has been in these lands since 1353, with which Masi collaborates in producing prestigious wines.”
Massimilla di Serego Alighieri owns the Possessioni Serego Alighieri estate. She is the 21st generation to own the property—a descendant of Piero Alighieri who bought the land in 1353. Piero was the son of Italian poet Dante Alighieri. In addition to her duties with Masi, Massimilla supports the culture, arts, and women’s role in winemaking, and she is the announcer for Tezenis Verona, Verona’s basketball team.
Serego Alighieri Possessioni Rosso Verona 2020 is polished black-fruit forward with savory nuances. Chalky, fine-grained tannins play well with appropriate acidity for the medium-bodied effort. Some admirable depth and weight at this price point. Easy choice for a rich, solid wine. Genuine value. $20-25
Pairing—Pasta and risotto dishes with tomato sauces; grilled beef and lamb, roast beef; chargrilled and roasted meats; swordfish parmigiana; vegetarian dishes. Cheese—Parmigiano reggiano, pecorino romano, cheddar. Avoid heavily aged, intensely flavored cheese.
