21 generations. That’s how long the vineyards of Serego Alighieri Estate have been managed by the Serego Alighieri family – descendants of the poet, Dante. Dante Alighieri lived in Verona, Italy, for some years after his infamous exile from Florence. His son Pietro decided to remain in the area and, in 1353, acquired the Casal dei Ronchi estate in Gargagnago, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico wine region (denoted with “Valpolicella DOC '' on wine labels). Through a marriage, the estate was renamed Serego Alighieri and, in the 1500s, the family began producing wine.
This villa winery is the oldest in the Valpolicella viticultural zone of Verona, Italy – just east of Lake Garda. It boasts 11 ancient vines, planted back in 1875, that are used to replant the vineyards via cuttings when new vines are needed (so cool). The villa itself is still inhabited by the family and not open to the public, but the estate is still worth a visit to tour the historical vineyard, annex buildings, and cellar.
How long is 21 generations, exactly? For about 650 years, the Serego Alighieri estate has been managed by the family. You can learn a little more about the family and estate here. We, as you might guess, want to get into the amazing wine produced on the sprawling 100 hectares (247 acres) of vineyards and olive groves.
2013 Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Close your eyes and the first sip of this wine transports you to the Italian vineyards of Serego Alighieri. It’s intense, yet elegant with hints of fruit. It’s well-structured, well-balanced, and has a long finish that reveals flavors of ripe cherries and sweet spices.
The Vaio Armaron is an opaque ruby red wine on the sweet and fruity end of the spectrum. It’s made with Corvina grapes and has a ABV of just over 15%. It’s a full-bodied wine with medium acidity. The cherry flavor notes come from aging the wine in cherry barrels – a distinguishing feature of Serego Alighieri wines.