Contrada Palui began with a 3-hectare abandoned cow pasture at the top of a hillside that Hannes Pichler saw promise in! He went about planting only the native varieties Covina, Rondinella, and Corvinone, avoiding the ‘en vogue’ French varieties of his neighbors. Blessed with unique soils of limestone, basalt, and flint, his wines are incredibly aromatic and complex. This Valpolicella, typically the unremarkable younger sibling to Amarone, takes center stage, with so much flavor and intrigue. Bright red florals, candied violets, anise, fresh red fruits with just a touch of tannin, but definitely a wine to enjoy chilled. Try this with lamb chops or grilled vegetables and portobello mushrooms!