Sant’Urbano (2023) - Speri

In the heart of the Valpolicella, the Speri winery guards a fascinating story linked to its Sant'Urbano. The wine takes its name from an old chapel in the Monte Sant'Urbano vineyard, a place that was once a destination for pilgrims. The Speri family, whose winemaking tradition goes back to 1874, has turned this corner of land into a byword for excellence. The Ripasso method used for Sant'Urbano is a technique rooted in the past, when farmers would pass young wine back over the Amarone pomace to give it greater structure and complexity.

The appellation: Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC

Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC is one of the most distinctive expressions of Valpolicella, in the Veneto, made using a unique technique that "repasses" the base Valpolicella wine over the pomace of Amarone or Recioto. This process gives the wine greater body, structure, alcohol and aromatic complexity, turning it into an enveloping, velvety red that is much appreciated both in Italy and abroad. The "Superiore" designation means a higher minimum alcohol level (at least 12% vol) and a minimum ageing period of 12 months, which heightens its depth and longevity.

What to eat with Sant’Urbano

Who makes it: Speri

Founded in 1900, the Speri winery is a symbol of Veneto's winemaking tradition, set in the heart of Valpolicella. With a history closely bound up with its land, Speri stands out for its ability to combine traditional production methods with modern techniques, creating wines that express the authenticity of the region. Among its most famous labels, Valpolicella Classico and the iconic Amarone della Valpolicella represent the very best of the winery. Every wine tells a story, reflecting the particular features of the soil and climate, and offers a unique sensory experience.

The vine of Sant’Urbano

Corvina

Corvina is a black grape variety native to the Veneto, considered the main variety in the production of some of the region’s most celebrated wines, including Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG and Valpolicella DOC. It is characterised by vibrant acidity, elegant tannins and an aromatic profile rich in red fruit, spices and floral nuances.

Rondinella

Rondinella is a black grape variety native to Veneto, historically used in the blends of Valpolicella, Bardolino and Amarone della Valpolicella. Rarely vinified as a single variety, it is a complementary variety to Corvina, to which it brings colour, resistance and freshness.

Corvinone

Corvinone is a native black grape variety of the Veneto, often confused with Corvina Veronese, but now recognised as a distinct and independent variety. Prized for its contribution to colour, structure and longevity in wines, it is one of the pillars of the Valpolicella, above all in the production of Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto and Ripasso. Corvinone is often used in blends with Corvina, Rondinella and other minor varieties to obtain complex, powerful reds, but in modern winemaking it can also be used as a single variety, or nearly so, in order to express its character to the full.

Sant’Urbano: the area of Valpolicella

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Sant’Urbano

Primary aromas: Cherry, Ripe red fruit

Secondary aromas: Spices, Vanilla

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: An elegant wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a long finish.