Maximum expression of Bolla's passion for Valpolicella Classico and its territory. It is a wine which embodies the history of the winery which itself also represents in some ways the history of Amarone Classico: the name "Le Origini" serves to remind of the role played by the Bolla family in the genesis and growth of Amarone all over the world with the 1950 vintage. From the finest grapes of our finest vineyard: the rest is passion, meticulous attention to detail and a relentless search for perfection.
Warm weather and low rainfall featured strongly in the 2017 vintage. Bud-break was at the end of March and flowering took place a few days earlier than normal. June, July and August were warm and, at times, very dry. Veraison was at the beginning of August. When rain finally fell in September, it lent relief to the vines and cooled the air considerably. Significant day-night temperature swings in September contributed to strengthening the color of the berries, so much so that the vintage will be remembered for the rich color of its grapes.
There was exemplary balance between growth and production for the 2017 vintage, the vines feeding exactly the right amount to avoid over-production.
VARIETIES: 80% Corvina and Corvinone, 20% Rondinella from vines approximately 50 years old.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Marano della Valpolicella.
ALTITUDE AND ASPECT 250–300 meters above sea level, with south-west aspecting.
TYPE OF SOIL Old vines cultivated on deep and extremely chalky soils, rich in limestone and volcanic.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Verona pergola.
HARVEST The Corvina ripened early and was ready for the drying room half way through September with an above-average sugar level. The bunches, picked and selected by hand were loosely packed with very thick skin and rich in colour. The aromas and fragrance already present in the fresh grapes were enhanced during the drying process which was then completed in the first few days of January when the grapes were taken to the winery for pressing.
WINEMAKING METHOD In this vintage, following the perfect ripening also of the grape stalks, which were well lignified and with sweet tannins, it was decided to de-stem the grapes only partially. Alcoholic fermentation was therefore carried out with approximately 30% of grapes that had not been de-stemmed. After alcoholic fermentation, a short post-fermentation maceration was followed by malolactic fermentation in wooden barrels.
AGEING Malolactic fermentation took place in 500-litre wooden barrels where the wine was left to age for 14 months, subsequently continuing for another 36 months, first in 40hl then in 70hl barrels. Aging was completed by 12 months in cement vats and another 12 months in the bottle.
SENSORY PROFILE Deep ruby red colour, intense and complex aromas of red fruit and flowers. Opulent and mouth-filling with notes of red fruit and plum and marasca cherry jam. A finale nuanced with spice and balsam delivers a long, lingering finish.
ABV: 16%.
RECOMMENDED CELLARING Laid down for twenty years in darkness at the correct temperature and humidity.
FOOD PAIRING No better wine for going with game, feathered in particular, braised meat and traditional meat dishes in general. Ideal with baked pasta or pasta with duck ragu sauce. Lovers of barbecue need look no further: the wine is extraordinary when matched with spare ribs or a juicy Black Angus T-Bone or the classic charcoal-grilled steak.
ALLERGEN: Contains sulphites.