Cesari 2024 Valpolicella Classico DOC 750ml

Cesari's Valpolicella Classico is the entry point into the estate's broader Valpolicella program — the same historic zone that produces the family's celebrated Ripasso and flagship Amarone, but bottled here in its most immediate, unadorned form. The wine is a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara, grown across several distinct sites within Valpolicella Classica, in the heart of the Veneto, on calcareous soils of alluvial-morainic origin.

Grapes for the 2024 vintage were harvested between September and October, followed by red winemaking with a 10-day skin maceration to extract genuine color and aromatic intensity. The wine then completes malolactic fermentation and rests in stainless steel tanks for a minimum of four months before bottling, followed by a brief period of bottle aging before release — a deliberately simple, tank-only approach that preserves the wine's natural freshness rather than layering on oak influence.

Cesari's own official notes for the 2024 vintage describe a color similar to the 2023 vintage, "a sign of the challenging climatic conditions of the year." On the nose, "intense aromas of black berry fruit and cherry emerge," carrying through consistently to the palate, with "lively acidity and balsamic nuances — distinctive characteristics of Valpolicella Classico — giving the wine freshness and structure." The finish is "supported by elegant, well-integrated tannins." For broader house-style context, other vintages of this same wine have been described with "a bright ruby red color, with immediate aromas of cherry, red fruits, and light spicy notes in the background," the palate "fresh, harmonious, with soft tannins and a pleasant persistence that invites another sip." This is genuinely straightforward, food-friendly Valpolicella — fresh, fruit-forward, and built for everyday drinking rather than extended cellaring.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Cesari Valpolicella Classico DOC 2024 is produced by Gerardo Cesari S.p.A., made from a blend of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara, sourced from vineyards spread across several distinct sites within the Valpolicella Classica zone, in Italy's Veneto region. The vineyards are grown on calcareous soils of alluvial-morainic origin.

Grapes were harvested between September and October 2024, followed by red winemaking with 10 days of skin maceration to extract color and aromatic intensity. The wine completes malolactic fermentation and matures in stainless steel tanks for a minimum of four months before bottling, followed by a brief bottle-aging period prior to release.

Critics Reviews

No independently confirmed critic score is available for the 2024 vintage at this time.

Cesari (official tasting note, 2024 vintage):
"Cesari's 2024 Valpolicella Classico presents a color similar to the 2023 vintage, a sign of the challenging climatic conditions of the year. On the nose, intense aromas of black berry fruit and cherry emerge, which return consistently on the palate. The lively acidity and balsamic nuances, distinctive characteristics of Valpolicella Classico, give the wine freshness and structure. The finish is supported by elegant, well-integrated tannins."

Bottle of Italy (house-style context, adjacent vintage):
"In the glass, it shows a bright ruby red color, with immediate aromas of cherry, red fruits, and light spicy notes in the background. On the palate, it is fresh, harmonious, with soft tannins and a pleasant persistence that invites another sip."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Intense black berry fruit and cherry lead, joined by balsamic nuances and light spice.

Palate
Fresh and lively, with bright acidity carrying the same cherry and dark berry fruit through consistently, balanced by genuine structure.

Finish
Supported by elegant, well-integrated tannins, closing clean and food-friendly with a pleasant, inviting persistence.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Pasta with meat sauce
• White meats
• Fresh cheeses
• Traditional Venetian first courses