New Year, everyone!

Let's start a new cycle of days with a Valpolicella (the fresh version).

Many people - wrongly, IMHO - underestimate or neglect this wine; actually, it is one of the most important wines in the Valpolicella production area.

The reasons are 3 (at least):

1. Its name coincides with that of the denomination.

2. It mirrors your capabilities as a wine grower and winemaker - when made only with fresh grapes.

3. It's the most meaningful wine in this area, along with its older brother, the Valpolicella Superiore.

No tricks or shortcuts: Valpolicella and Valpolicella Superiore tell you the vintage's story and the producer's knowledge to manage it.

Thus, what could we say about the Nanfré, Valpolicella DOC 2021 - Tenuta Sant'Antonio?

It's a great wine. This is an excellent example of what a good Valpolicella should be.

What I like: it is refreshing, sincere (not everybody can love this kind of wine, and the wine should not demand it either), slightly sour, and clean. It has flavors of wild herbs and pine resin; the feeling is like finding yourself at the edge of a forest. It's easy to drink and enjoys the companionship of the daily foods, so it's effortless to pair as well.

Ah, and the bottle is closed with a glass cork (my favorite closure, along with a screw cap!).

What I dislike is the label. This wine deserves more engagement in the graphic design. Furthermore, it would be an appreciated courtesy if there were a QR code with some interesting information (like the grapes or the name’s meaning) on the back label to avoid going on the winery’s website.

Final score: 4.5/5