‘Mountain wines’ with a marked acidity yet integrated in the rightly ripe fruit. Stratified wines of good elegance and complexity.

In short, these are my impressions about the wines of Villa Corniole that I have recently tasted starting from the one just released: “Sagum” (Pinot Nero 100% Trentino DOC Superiore Valle di Cembra) from vineyards at over 600 m of altitude. The first vintage, 2018, has just been released; it will be produced only in the best years.

It is distinguished by a compact and intense nose with aromas of candied coconut, red cherry, chocolate and a peppery touch. The structure is good but the tannin remains “delicate”, the sip is lively with a refreshing acidity and an intriguing savory touch. Warm and enveloping. Still young, it needs time for a better integration of the wood both on the nose and on the palate but has an important potential for ageing.

Together with Sagum I enjoyed tasting “Salisa” Trentodoc, classic method sparkling wine, brut, 100% Chardonnay, vintage 2016 and dedicated to the three daughters: Sara, Linda and Sabina (disgorgement: 2020). Very fine bubble with an incisive and layered bouquet: lemon leaf, bread dough, coffee and white pepper with a hint of toasted cashew on a refreshing background of mint. Very creamy, good balance. Definitely dry and vertical.

Villa Corniole is a family business founded by Onorio Pellegrini who has staked everything on the Alpine territory to express the elegance of the mountains in the Cembra Valley with terraced vineyards for Müller Thurgau, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Nero. While, from the Piana Rotaliana valley, Teroldego, Lagrein and Pinot Grigio are born, for a total of about 10 hectares (about 24 acres).