Marion, Veneto

The Marion estate is the site of a splendid 15th century villa in the valley of Marcellise, once owned by the Conte Marioni. The Campedelli family bought the property in 1986; Stefano, together with his wife Nicoletta Fornasa and brother Marco, started bottling in 1995. Now the estate has 22 hectares, producing 70,000 bottles a year. The estate lies just outside the Classico zone on predominantly chalk soils, giving wines of purity.

This Valpolicella Superiore manages to balance accessibility with ageing potential. Rich chocolate and kirsch aromas are layered with chalky minerals on the nose. Sweetly scented red fruits and cherry stone characters add to the richness on the palate. Young and vigorous, this will reward a bit of patience. Drink now to 2022.

With pretty aromas of pure red cherry, this has a bright and energetic attack, while the acidity is balanced by elegant fruit and fine-grained tannins. There’s plenty of energy across the palate and a long finish. Drink now to 2020.