Azienda Agricola Prà

– Veneto

Why are benchmarks important? Isn’t it more interesting to have no rules, no references and allow for true creativity? That is a flawed argument in my estimation, if you don’t appreciate what came before, how can you build on that and evolve further? We love the mavericks, the new kids and the under the radar producers of the wine world. We also respect the benchmarks as we navigate our way through the plethora of wines available from the mediocre to the magnificent. Prà are a benchmark. They are legendary Soave producers, now also producing elegant Valpolicella; these are stunning wines. Perhaps quietly confident would be a good way to describe them, Soave generally isn’t a showy wine, but there is a seriousness here that means there is no mistaking their quality. 

Prà have a 30-hectare estate situated near the town of Monteforte d’Alpone in the Classico sub-zone. The South East facing vineyards are at 150 metres above sea level and the soil is volcanic. The vines are around 30-60 years old and the traditional Pergola Veronese training system uses airflow to help combat excess moisture which can lead to rot. Their Valpolicella vineyards are in the eastern part of Valpolicella, an area with high diurnal range. This creates an elegant, fresher style compared to the more powerful, muscular Valpolicella wines next to Lake Garda. They make great use of ‘cordon cut’ grapes, meaning the cordon is cut from the vine but stays to dry on the trellis in order to increase the richness and intensity of flavour.