Brigaldara reaffirms its commitment to elevating Valpolicella Superiore with the release of the 2022 vintage of Case Vecie, a high-altitude wine that combines balanced structure, finesse, and drinkability.
San Pietro in Cariano, 8 May 2025 – Brigaldara (link) presents the new 2022 vintage (link) of Valpolicella Superiore DOC Case Vecie, a distinctive expression of the Valpolicella region and, more specifically, the Case Vecie cru. Nestled in the high hills of Grezzana, Case Vecie is a sanctuary of biodiversity, an ambitious project by the Cesari family to cultivate vines in an elevated ecosystem at over 450 meters above sea level.
This label is part of a project launched in 2016 with the goal of showcasing the territorial identity of Valpolicella Superiore through the vinification of fresh grapes, without the use of appassimento. The 2022 vintage marks another step forward in this direction, benefiting from a growing season that favored concentration and structure while preserving freshness and balance.
THE 2022 VINTAGE
High temperatures and prolonged dry spells led to lower yields, directly impacting production: only 20,000 bottles were produced this year, compared to 30,000 in previous vintages. Despite the challenging climate conditions, Valpolicella Superiore DOC Case Vecie 2022 fully expressed the potential of its terroir; the vineyard’s high elevation and surrounding woodlands played a crucial role in guaranteeing outstanding quality.
“Once considered an extreme site for viticulture, Case Vecie is now proving to be an ideal vineyard in the face of climate change. The 2022 vintage was particularly dry; however, September rains provided the necessary water to complete the ripening cycle. The lower yields and resulting concentration of the grapes allowed us to produce a Valpolicella that combines good structure and excellent drinkability, revealing the depth and complexity that come from slow ripening and significant day-to-night temperature shifts.” explains Antonio Cesari.z
A SINGLE VINEYARD FOR A FOCUSED PRODUCTION
Case Vecie is an area with great viticultural potential, with its elevation and cooler temperatures making it similar to a mountainous environment. These factors allow for a slower maturation of the grapes (almost 20-25 days later than other areas) positively influencing both color and sensory profile.
The decision to dedicate a single vineyard, Mandrie, exclusively to Valpolicella Superiore production—without pre-selecting grapes for Amarone—reflects the winery’s commitment to maximizing the expression of this wine.
The grape varieties used are 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella. The Mandrie vineyard, in particular, has a southwest exposure and silty-sandy soils rich in organic matter, where Corvina is predominantly planted. The western section of the vineyard, with its poorer, gravelly soils, is dedicated to Corvinone.
VINIFICATION AND ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS
The 2022 harvest was carried out manually and began in the second week of October. The red vinification process involved skin contact throughout fermentation, with two daily pump-overs and a délestage halfway through fermentation to optimize color and polyphenolic extraction. Fermentation was conducted at a controlled temperature of 22°-24°C to preserve the fresher, more delicate aromas.
In mid-November, the wine was transferred to 20-hectoliter oak barrels, where it continued its maturation for approximately a year and a half, until April 2024. It was then bottled in June and underwent further bottle aging before its official release on the market.
Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie 2022 presents a bright ruby-red color. On the nose, it reveals aromas of ripe cherries, balsamic notes, and delicate spiciness, imparted by the pronounced temperature fluctuations. On the palate, well-integrated acidity supports the structure, enhancing aromatic complexity and achieving a perfect balance between concentration and tannic finesse.
With the 2022 vintage, Brigaldara reaffirms its dedication to elevating Valpolicella Superiore, offering a wine that embodies tradition, research, and a deep connection to its territory.
