Notes from Polaner Selections:

Allthough Graziano Prà is best known for his whites, it is his red wines from Valpolicella that may be a bigger revelation?! He purchased these vineyards, located in the sub-zones of Mezzane and Tregnano at around 500 meters, because the soils were formed from glacial runoff and they contain a high percentage of active limestone. So while most wines from this region are about power, ripeness and brawn, especially the Amarone, Prà’s reds have a bright freshness and mineral core. The straight Valpolicella “Morandina” is a pure joy to drink (think fresh, crunchy, Cru Beaujolais-like fruit with a bright, chalky core). The Valpolicella Ripasso “Morandina”, not surprisingly, has a bigger density of plush, bright red and black fruits. But it too has wonderful, lifted aromatics and a mineral freshness. And, lastly, with Prà’s Amarone itself, it avoids the overtly heavy, raisiny/chocolately profile, and balances tremendous power with real finesse and a lovely, floral and high-toned, ripe plum profile. A unique wine of its kind, for sure.

And speaking of truly unique, the man himself, Graziano Prà, is also truly a one of a kind. He is most definitely a 'man of the earth', with humble roots, a warm smile, and his feet firmly planted on the ground. That said, he is also a man of quiet precision, which shows in the quality and consistency of the broad range of wines he produces. If he were in a more ‘famous’ appellation, he would probably be considered a major rock star. But, no worries, he has Soave and Valpolicella running though his veins, and he likes it best that way!