Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2023

The history of the Dal Cero Family begins in 1934 in the province of Verona, when Augusto Dal Cero purchased a challenging yet extraordinary piece of land in Roncà, dominated by the extinct volcanoes Crocetta and Calvarina. The soil, dark and almost black, is the result of ancient basaltic flows that met the sea more than 40 million years ago, creating a terrain rich in mineral elements. Augusto may not have known the geological details, but he understood vines and sensed the potential of that volcanic ground. Despite the interruption of war and years spent far from home, he returned determined to rebuild and expand the vineyards to the very top of the volcanic hills.

After his passing, his sons Dario and Giuseppe continued the work, gradually expanding the vineyard surface in Roncà. In the early 1980s they broadened the family vision by investing in Tuscany, in Cortona, where they acquired the Montecchiesi Estate. There, alongside Sangiovese, they focused on Syrah and later rosé production, growing the estate’s vineyard area tenfold over the years. This step marked the evolution of the family from local growers to producers of wines with a broader Italian identity.

In recent years, the third generation, Davide, Nico and Francesca Dal Cero, launched a new chapter in Valpolicella, about 15 kilometres from Soave yet geologically distinct. This area stands on a natural terrace overlooking Verona and is characterised by limestone marls such as Biancone and Scaglia Rossa, with white and pink hues. These soils are particularly suited to indigenous varieties including Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara, the foundation of Valpolicella wines. The region’s traditional practices, especially the natural drying of grapes known as appassimento, give rise to Amarone, the most prestigious expression of the area.

The Valpolicella project confirms the continuity of the family’s values established in 1934: respect for the land, sustainability, and direct knowledge of each parcel. The soils here form a complex combination of volcanic and calcareous components, with higher zones showing strong mineral presence. Constant ventilation and the mild influence of nearby Lake Garda create favourable growing conditions that support healthy vines and balanced ripening.

Across generations, the Dal Cero Family has maintained a clear philosophy: wine begins in the soil and must remain connected to it. Their approach centres on natural balance, healthy plants, and attention to the qualities of each vineyard. Today, their signature appears on the labels as a symbol of personal responsibility and continuity. From the volcanic hills of Roncà to the limestone terraces of Valpolicella and the sunlit slopes of Cortona, the family’s work links past and present while looking steadily toward the future.