Secondo Marco
Secondo Marco means “according to Marco”: in 2008 Marco Speri left his Family’s world renowned Speri winery to make Valpolicella wines according to his very own vision and taste. His approach is deeply rooted in time-honored local winemaking traditions, which require growing exclusively native grapes (Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta, Molinara, Croatina, Pipiona…), using the traditional Pergoletta Veronese trellising system, letting the native yeasts carry over the fermentations naturally, and aging the wines for extended periods in large, neutral aging vessels. Organic farming, the use of Green Manure and an unrelenting attention to details complete Marco’s winemaking philosophy.
The resulting wines offer a singular combination of aromatic complexity and overall balance, transcending the convention that for decades has seen Valpolicella Producers split in two camps: the traditionalists and the modernists.
Marco’s idiosyncratic winemaking approach elevates traditions into a contemporary style in which the core of the fruit aromas, naturally ripe and rich but far from being overpowering, is lifted by a finely tuned acidity, resulting in wines that are both easy to drink and full of aromatic details.
In Marco’s own words: “When you continue a family tradition, on the one side there is fear of change and on the other the desire to do something new, to leave an imprint. Like everything that is alive, wine is the result of a constant development, I try to preserve the character of the native grapes of my Region by accompanying these changes in my own way...according to Marco.”
Available Wines:
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Valpolicella Classico DOC
50% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Molinara from estate vineyards in the Valpolcella Classica. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. Aged 12 months in large cement vats, then 6 months in large neutral Slavonian oak botti, then in bottle for 9 months before release.
The bright freshness of this Valpolicella hides a complex soul of ripe berry fruit aromas. Like a classic ballet dancer: elegant, agile, and tense.
Best enjoyed at cellar temperature (55F).
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Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC
50% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 5% Molinara, 5% Oseleta from estate vineyards in Valpolicella Classica, fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks. Aged 6 months in cement vats, 24 months in large neutral Slavonian botti, and 12 months in bottle.
Velvety tannins, sneaky concentration, a core of juicy, succulent fruit aromas and a clean, dry finish are the signature traits of this superb wine. This is a benchmark example of restrain and balance. Best enjoyed at cellar temperature (55F)
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Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and other local grapes from estate vineyards in the Valpolicella Classica, dried for 4 months indoor and fermented in stainless steel tanks with native yeasts. Aged 4 years in large Slavonian oak barrels, and an additional 2-3 years in bottle before release.
The greatest example of Marco’s ability to create balance between muscles and agility. Full-bodied, dense and yet extremely elegant and bright, this Amarone shines for its complexity and restrain, while offering plenty of rich fruit aromas and tertiary notes of grilled herbs, tobacco, and coffee.
Best enjoyed at cellar temperature (55F)
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Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
60% Corvina, Corvinone 10%, Rondinella and other local grape varieties 30%. Harvested by hand from estate vineyards, dried indoor for 140 days. Fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts, aged for over 2 years in 6HL Slavonian oak barrels, plus a further 12 months in bottle before release.
The most time-honored tradition in Valpolicella winemaking, interpreted to balance the exhilarating concentration with a touch of zippy freshness, for a dessert wine that is both agile and complex. We strongly recommend it with Stinton or blue cheese, dark chocolate or Sbrisolona cake. Serve at 52F.
Marco and Mariateresa under the Pergoletta vines
Cement Vats at Secondo Marco
Marco and the Y-shaped pergoletta training system
Large, neutral oak Botti at Secondo Marco