Producer notes from Strade Bianche Wines:

"Nestled in the small village of Negrar, just north of Verona, the Damoli family has tended their land since 1623, but just recently reinstated thier focus on winemaking after a 20 year break. Nestled in the small village of Negrar, just north of Verona, Bruno Damoli, an expert in viticulture, and his two children Daniele, (winemaker) and Lara, (businesswoman), run this small family vineyard which produces around 15,000 bottles of wine annually.

Damoli is located in the Valpolicella Classico appellation which is a wine district rich with tradition. The two distinct characteristics are the indigenous grapes (Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella) and the grape drying process called "appassimento" which is used to make Amarone, Recioto, and later Ripasso. The Damoli family decided many years ago to only use organic and natural products in the vineyard and the results were exceptional. The byproduct was better grapes along with a healthier vineyard with more plant, insect and animal activity. Daniele's winemaking philosophy is no manipulation, no additives and he only uses old oak barrique and tonneau barrels for aging. He believes that old oak barrels are not invasive or overly strong on the wine flavors as they respect the wine aromas without altering them beyond recognition. This family has deep roots in this land and they respect it and take great pride in the local winemaking traditions."

Notes on the cuvee:

"Deep garnet ruby red colour. Intense, elegant and ample, with prune and cherry in spirit aromas. On the palate it is dry, warm, soft, full bodied. Elegance, persistence and complexity with spices, pepper, cloves, coffee, cocoa, overripened fruit and balsamic flavours."