2017 Bericanto Gran Bericanto Rossi Riserve Colli Berici DOC, Vicenza

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Tokaj

Gold Medal Mundus Vini 97 points Luca Maroni 

Intense garnet red colour, the nose features fragrant aromas of cassis and blackberry with hints of vanilla. With the acid vein that sustains, the tannin that weaves and the pulp of fruit that everything harmoniously wraps and contains, the mouthfeel is majestic with notes of cherries, clove, licorice, sweet tannins and long finish. Great companion for game, roasted red meats, mature cheeses and salami. Very suitable also as an after dinner drink.

Bericanto Gran Bericanto Rossi Riserva is a deeply rooted, quietly powerful red from the Colli Berici hills near Vicenza, a part of Veneto that often flies under the radar but rewards anyone paying attention. The Colli Berici are a series of limestone rich volcanic hills rising out of the Veneto plain, with excellent drainage, good elevation and cooling breezes that help preserve freshness even in warmer seasons. These soils and conditions are ideal for structured, age worthy reds with both depth and balance.

Bericanto is a modern estate with a strong respect for local tradition, working closely with hillside vineyards where low yields and careful farming are essential. Gran Bericanto represents the top selection, a riserva made only from the best parcels and vintages. The blend typically draws on Bordeaux varieties well suited to the region, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, varieties that have a long and successful history in the Colli Berici. Extended ageing and careful élevage are key to the wine’s style, allowing structure and savoury complexity to emerge naturally.

In the glass, the wine is dark and composed, immediately suggesting seriousness. Blackcurrant, blackberry and plum form the core, followed by liquorice, dark chocolate and cedar. With air, more savoury notes unfold. Dried herbs, graphite, tobacco leaf and a subtle earthy character add layers and regional personality. There is a sense of restraint here, nothing feels overdone or glossy.

On the palate, Gran Bericanto is full bodied and structured, but not heavy. The fruit is dense and ripe, supported by firm, finely grained tannins that give shape and longevity. Acidity is well judged, keeping the wine fresh and food friendly despite its depth. Oak is present but well integrated, contributing spice and savoury nuance rather than sweetness. The finish is long and confident, echoing dark fruit, spice and a gentle mineral grip that reflects the Colli Berici soils.

This is a wine made for robust food and for time. It pairs beautifully with grilled or slow cooked beef, lamb, game, mushroom dishes or aged cheeses. While approachable with decanting, it is clearly built to age, developing further layers of leather, tobacco and savoury complexity over ten to fifteen years.

Bericanto Gran Bericanto Rossi Riserva is a serious expression of Colli Berici, combining international varieties with a distinctly Italian sense of balance and restraint. A compelling alternative to more famous Veneto reds, and a wine that rewards patience and the curious drinker.