The 2015 Pasqua Mai Dire Mai Valpolicella Superiore is made from grapes grown in the Monte Vegro vineyard. The blend is 50% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta. The grapes are vinified in steel tanks, then aged for a year and a half in French oak. Alcohol sits at a lofty 15% abv while the 2015 vintage sells for about $50.
This wine is a deep ruby red in the glass, with brick tones starting to show around the edge. The nose is powerful and savory, with the dark fruit accompanied by notes of cedar, tobacco, earth, and licorice. The palate is lean, as the fruit lets the stage be stolen by the savory side. The acidity is quite refreshing, and the tannins have a bit of bite left in them. I paired mine with some Italian beans, but it could also serve well with a steak or a plate of meatballs.
The 2017 Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG is a classic Amarone made from hand picked grapes that undergo a three-month drying process before fermentation. During this time, the grapes lose about a quarter of their weight. (Maybe I should try it.) That helps bring out the velvety tannins and deep sugar concentration. The grapes were then vinified and aged about a year and a half in French oak. Those grape varieties, by the way, are 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, and 10% Corvinone. Alcohol is 15% abv in this wine as well. It retails for $60.This wine is medium dark garnet with some brown starting to show. The nose brings enough savory for everybody. Currant, fig, and blackberry notes are draped in earthy scents like pepper, tobacco, oak spice, coffee, and tarragon. The palate holds a set of firm tannins and a racy acidity. Flavors of dark berries, cherry, and plum define the wine's profile. It will pair well with pork, lamb, or veal.