Join us for an exclusive tasting at Le Calendre, a pure expression of the historic vineyards in the heart of Valpolicella.
Saturday 12th April
2.00pm-5.00pm
Open on the day:
2.00pm-5.00pm
Open on the day:
'22 Valpolicella Classico $36
'19 Valpolicella Classico Superiore $48
'18 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso $69
'18 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico $128
'20 Recioto della Valpolicella Classico $86
'19 Valpolicella Classico Superiore $48
'18 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso $69
'18 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico $128
'20 Recioto della Valpolicella Classico $86
Enjoy 10% discount when you purchase any three bottles on the day.
Hosted by Fabio Sercecchi of Standard Wine Co., and free of charge.
Valpolicella: A window into the soul of northern Italian wine
Nestled in the hills just north of Verona, between Lake Garda and the Lessini Mountains, lies Valpolicella—a region that has been producing wine since ancient Roman times. Known for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historic vineyards, Valpolicella is a place where tradition and passion come together in every glass.
The name “Valpolicella” is thought to mean “valley of many cellars”, a nod to the region’s long-standing relationship with wine. The area is divided into several zones, with the Classico subzone being the heartland, where many of the region’s most respected producers are based. Here, the hillsides are dotted with old stone terraces and vines that stretch back generations, producing wines with character and a strong sense of place.
Valpolicella is most famous for its red wines, crafted primarily from native grape varieties—Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella—which thrive in the region’s varied soils and cool-climate conditions. These grapes form the backbone of a range of styles, from light and bright everyday reds to bold, complex expressions like Ripasso and Amarone della Valpolicella.
At the lighter end of the spectrum, Valpolicella Classico is juicy, vibrant, and full of red cherry and wild herb character—a perfect wine for casual meals and warm evenings. Then comes Ripasso, a unique style made by “repassing” fresh wine over the dried grape skins from Amarone. This process imparts depth, richness, and a touch of spice, bridging the gap between freshness and complexity.
At the top of the pyramid is Amarone, one of Italy’s most iconic and luxurious wines. Made from grapes that are partially dried for several months before fermentation, Amarone is powerful and full-bodied, with intense flavors of dried fruit, cocoa, tobacco, and spice. Despite its richness, great Amarone retains elegance and balance, making it both a contemplative sipper and a stunning pairing with hearty dishes.
The region’s geography plays a key role in shaping its wines. Cool alpine breezes from the north and the tempering influence of nearby Lake Garda help preserve freshness and aromatics. The hills are layered with limestone, clay, and volcanic soils, giving winemakers a diverse palette to work with and resulting in wines that are textured, mineral, and expressive.
But Valpolicella is more than just technique and terroir—it’s a region filled with stories. From family-run estates passing down traditions through generations to modern innovators breathing new life into ancient practices, there’s a deep sense of identity here. Whether you’re opening a bottle of youthful Classico or a stately Amarone, you’re tasting the rhythm of the seasons, the patience of the appassimento process, and the soul of a region where wine is truly a way of life.
Le Calendre – A Tradition Rooted in Valpolicella 🍷
In the heart of the Valpolicella Classica region, in the municipality of San Pietro in Cariano, lies Le Calendre, a boutique wine estate with approximately four hectares of vineyards. The estate is deeply committed to preserving the natural character of the grapes, embracing a respectful, hands-on approach to vineyard care that has been passed down through generations.
All vineyards are cultivated using the traditional double-inclined pergola system, a method that has shaped Valpolicella viticulture for centuries. While this system demands significant manual labor and rules out most forms of mechanization, it offers undeniable benefits that enhance grape quality. Thanks to this structure, the vines enjoy optimal exposure to light and air, with abundant leaf surface area for photosynthesis. The grape clusters remain perfectly suspended, untouched by canes, requiring minimal intervention and reducing the risk of damage. At harvest, the fruit can be picked easily and intact—ideal for the estate’s meticulous appassimento process.
Yields are deliberately kept low to favor quality over quantity. During veraison, expert hands thin the grape clusters by removing excess fruit or those vulnerable to poor aeration. By the time harvest arrives, only the finest grapes remain, ready for the careful drying process that defines the estate’s signature wines.
📜 A Story Rooted in the Land
The history of Le Calendre is inseparable from the land itself. The family’s roots go back to the Lessini Mountains, where their early work revolved around livestock and the production of butter and cheese. In 1904, the family acquired a plot in Valpolicella, cultivating not just vines, but also corn, wheat, cherries, and olives—a reflection of the diversified agriculture of the time. Caring for the land has always been part of their daily life, passed down as a sacred responsibility.
Over the years, this bond with nature and place deepened. Each generation wove its own chapter into the story, shaped by the uniqueness of the Valpolicella region. With time, the estate became more specialized, dedicating itself fully to viticulture while never losing the spirit of harmony with the earth.
Now in its fifth generation, Le Calendre continues to vinify only its own grapes, personally overseeing every phase of production—from vineyard to bottle. Every gesture, every decision is made with care, rooted in the belief that true wine excellence is not the result of shortcuts, but the sum of countless small, mindful acts—and a willingness to listen to the land.
🌿 The Art of Appassimento
At Le Calendre, the ancient technique of appassimento lies at the heart of their Amarone and Recioto wines. Carefully selected, healthy grape clusters are hand-harvested and gently laid on wooden trays, where they rest for approximately 120 days. This takes place in a specially designed drying loft, where natural ventilation and low winter temperatures are essential to a slow and natural drying process. In adverse conditions, advanced systems maintain ideal humidity and temperature.
Over time, the grapes lose up to 40% of their weight, concentrating sugars, tannins, and aromatic compounds. This method, both patient and precise, preserves the native character of the varietals, giving the wines their distinctive depth and elegance.
🏡 The Winery – Time, Passion, Balance
Winemaking at Le Calendre is seen as a continuous dialogue with nature. In the cellar, the focus is on preserving the authentic expression of the grape through minimal intervention and a deep respect for traditional methods. The wines are allowed to evolve naturally, with each stage of fermentation and maturation carefully monitored. By avoiding aggressive physical or chemical treatments, the estate upholds the integrity of the fruit, the must, and ultimately the wine.
Winemaking at Le Calendre is seen as a continuous dialogue with nature. In the cellar, the focus is on preserving the authentic expression of the grape through minimal intervention and a deep respect for traditional methods. The wines are allowed to evolve naturally, with each stage of fermentation and maturation carefully monitored. By avoiding aggressive physical or chemical treatments, the estate upholds the integrity of the fruit, the must, and ultimately the wine.
The winery is powered by renewable energy, preventing the release of roughly 5,500 kilograms of CO₂ into the atmosphere each year. This sustainable approach is not just a commitment to the environment, but a philosophy that values authenticity, patience, and craftsmanship. The small size of the estate allows for meticulous attention to every detail—something that would be impossible on a larger industrial scale.
👨🌾 The Human Touch
The role of the human hand at Le Calendre is indispensable. While nature lays the foundation, it is the knowledge, humility, and care of those who work the land that bring the wines to life. The growers observe the rhythms of the vineyard, guiding the vines through their development and harvesting only when the time is truly right.
This work continues a family tradition built over generations. Often, the fear of change walks hand in hand with the desire to innovate and leave a legacy. The family welcomes the future with open arms, knowing that those who follow may choose different paths, face new challenges, and bring fresh ideas. Even if they surprise or confuse us at times, they carry the spirit of Le Calendre forward—and that, in the end, is a source of pride.
