Vallarom

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The great return of the Campi Sarni Rossi, a spot-on Bordeaux blend we enjoyed because it knows how to be complex and sophisticated. -Duemillavini 2008

Vallarom in Avio -- CERTIFIED ORGANIC!

Limestone and gravel debris have fallen from the two massifs (see picture) throughout the centuries to form ancient alluvial terraces. Here,  in the little known Vallagarina area of Southern Trentino, the Adige river beigns its climb from the plains of Veneto into the Italian Dolomites.  Standing in the vineyards, you get that sensation of having finally reached the Alps, but there's the warm ora breeze from the Veneto to remind you of the journey. The Vallagarina is a bit under the radar, but as far back as Roman times it was well-regarded as an area for making excellent wines.

Among all this geological grandeur, though, Fillipo and Barbara have that outstanding mix of being sophisticated, down-to-earth, and basically a family farming the land. Here's what Fillipo said when asked about his wines:

"I don't want to bore anybody and I don't want to praise my wines because if they deserve any merit it shouldn't come from me. I can only say to come to the winery whenever you wish, this will make me happy. I live there in the middle of the vines with my wife Barbara and my son Riccardo. We can taste together and share opinions."

Vallarom produces a host of wines from local grapes such as Moscato Giallo and Pinot Bianco to working with international varieties on Italian Alp soil. The  Super-Trentino blends speak to the Roman history of the area back:the white, Vadum Caesaris "Shallows of Caesar," is where Julius Caesar crossed the Adige river; it's a mix of mostly Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay with some Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.  The red blend is entitled Campi Sarni, "Sarnian Fields," a very elegant Alpine bordeux blend that's released from the winery only after four years of age.

Producer's Wines

Vallarom 04 'Vigneto Ventrat' Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes:

100% Pinot Noir. Alpine wine from Trentino, where Julius Caesar crossed the Adige river. Elegant with lots of small red fruit with a hint of spice and minerals. If you like etched red fruit with some wonderful cranberry tartness in your Pinot Noir, this would fit the bill.

Vineyard:

Vallagarina IGT at the beginning of Trentino (still gets the 'Ora' breeze from Lake Garda). Guyot trained in mostly gravel with some limestone; 25 year old vines.

Vinification:

Hand picked. Fermentation on the skins 15-18 days. 30% new barrique; ,the rest a mix of second and third passage for a year; aged in bottles for another year and a half.

Awards:

Vallagarina IGT at the beginning of Trentino (still gets the 'Ora' breeze from Lake Garda). Guyot trained in mostly gravel with some limestone; 25 year old vines.v

Vallarom Vallagarina Merlot 'Vigneto Belvedere'

Tasting Notes:

90% Merlot, with a little backbone from 10% of the local Lambrusco a Foglia Frastagliata “(nothing to do with Lambrusco from Emilglia Romana – an Alpine wine from Trentino, where Julius Caesar crossed the Adige River). Combination of warm fruit (plum, blackberry) and drinkability; no sticky Merlot here. Great daily drinker with or without food.

Vineyard:

Belvedere Vineyard in the Vallagarina IGT at the beginning of Trentino (still gets the 'Ora' breeze from Lake Garda). Guyot trained in mostly gravel with some limestone.

Vinification:

After fermentation for 10-15 days, on the skins for an extended maceration for 7-8 days. In steel 3-4 months, then bottled.

Awards:

Awarded in 2008 Slow Food Guide to Everyday Wine, Guida al Vino Quotidiano.

Vallarom 04 'Campi Sarni' Rosso

Tasting Notes:

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. An Alpine Bordeaux! Hints of green pepper with cassis and prune, touch of dark chocolate and fresh tobacco. Fine tannins and interesting minerality.

Vineyard:

Allagarina IGT at the beginning of Trentino (still gets the 'Ora' breeze from Lake Garda). 25 years old vines; Pergola Trentino. Mostly gravel with some limestone.

Vinification:

Fermentation with skins for 15-18 days; 30% new barrique and 70% second or third passage for 12-18 months; 12 months minimum in bottle.

Awards:

Tre Bottiglie Award: I Vini d'Italia 2008; 4 Grappoli Award from Duemilavini 2008.

Vallarom 'Vadum Caesaris'

Tasting Notes:

50 % Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Savuignon Blanc, 10% Riesling. Alpine wine from lower Trentino, where Julius Caesar crossed the Adige river, thus its name. Rather aromatic, and very attractive, tropical nose (mango?), with a hint of green apple that comes through more in the refreshing mouthfeel; the Chardonnay lends width to the wine but not at the expense of refreshing minerals and acidity provided by Pinot Bianco, Sauv. Blanc and Riesling. From simple bbq chicken and seafood; make a good bed-feller, of all things, for a curried chicken salad sandwich.

Vineyard:

Vallagarina IGT at the beginning of Trentino (still gets the 'Ora' breeze from Lake Garda). 25 and 11 years old vines; Pergola Trentino. Mostly gravel with some limestone.

Vinification:

Temperature controlled steel tanks for 8 months, in bottle for 6.

Awards:

Cited in the Slow Food Guide to Everyday Wine, Guida al Vino Quoti