The limestone terraces of Il Sasso ('the rock' in Italian) produce grapes with a tantalizing minerality, perfectly suited for this lighter expression that defies the expectations most people have of Valpolicella reds. Instead of using their best grapes for Amarone, like most houses in the region, Il Sasso picks grapes from the sunniest parts of their vineyards, and picks them early, specifically to make a Valpolicella Classico with tension and energy. 

Stefano Bellamoli focuses on preserving this tension, he eschews wood (and its spice) in favor of unlined cement diamonds and ceramic eggs. The wine is unfined, unfiltered, unadulterated liquid joy, clocking in at a joyful 11.5% abv and only

23mg/l SO2. The nose of fragrant red cherries and red plums fills the air, and the wine is fresh and juicy on the palate, with a sunny minerality that makes it all too easy to drink. Best served with a light chill; this is our top pick for a summer Italian red. 

Pairing: Pizza on the grill, Charcuterie, Patio parties

Grapes:

45% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 25% Rondinella

Viticulture: Certified Organic