Viviani

Mazzano di Negrar, Valpolicella Veneto, Italy The Viviani family has been producing wines in one of the most amazing and highest positions in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area, Mazzano di Negrar, with a view in one direction to Lake Garda, in another all the way to Verona. The steep hillsides here are terraced in pink fossilized coral, blocks of which built the Arena di Verona, and dotted with cherry trees that many believe share their flavor with the grapevines. Here, 2000 years ago, Romans were already making a wine utilizing dehydrated grapes, so historically, conditions have always been optimal for winemaking of this kind: high altitude, south/southeast exposure, with breezes that sweep up from the valley and keep the humidity low -- perfect conditions for the harvest of healthy grapes and the months-long process of drying grapes. Manually harvested and carefully inspected grapes are placed in small boxes (called fruttai) and moved to large storehouses, where the traditional dehydration occurs; after, the grapes are crushed to begin the winemaking of one of the most exciting and internationally well respected Amarones. Claudio Viviani has an awards list as long as his arm, and not just for his Amarone, but for his Valpolicella and Recioto as well; he was awarded over 10 Tre Bicchieri in this wine making career. Claudio’s tireless devotion and skill has elevated the prestige of the Valpolicella Classico area and his wines are among the most elevated, elegant and delicious.