Le Ragose winery
Le Ragose is a family-owned wine estate located in the hills north of Verona, in the heart of Valpolicella Classica. Founded in the late 1960s by Arnaldo and Marta Galli, the estate was established with a vision to revive and showcase the potential of high-altitude Valpolicella vineyards. The Galli family selected a unique site at 350 meters above sea level, characterized by steep slopes, volcanic soils, and a cooler microclimate. This setting, combined with traditional grape varieties such as Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, forms the backbone of Le Ragose’s distinctive wines.
From the outset, Le Ragose has emphasized minimal intervention and traditional methods. The estate practices low-impact viticulture, hand-harvesting grapes to ensure optimal ripeness and quality. In the cellar, the family adheres to time-honored techniques: native yeasts, long macerations, and extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks. These choices reflect a commitment to authenticity and to expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards. The wines are crafted with patience, often released later than those of neighboring estates, allowing for greater complexity and elegance.
Le Ragose is particularly celebrated for its Amarone della Valpolicella, a wine produced from carefully selected grapes that are dried on racks in the estate’s traditional fruttaio. This appassimento process concentrates flavors, resulting in a wine of power, depth, and balance. Their Amarone is noted for its restrained richness, freshness, and ability to age gracefully. Alongside Amarone, the estate produces Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso, and Recioto della Valpolicella, each reflecting their philosophy of purity and respect for tradition. The Ripasso, in particular, is made using the classic method of refermenting Valpolicella wine on the unpressed skins of Amarone, lending additional structure and complexity.
The second generation, Paolo and Marco Galli, now manage Le Ragose, continuing the legacy established by their parents. They remain dedicated to sustainable vineyard practices, preserving biodiversity, and maintaining the health of their old vines, some of which are over 50 years old. The estate covers approximately 30 hectares, with 15 hectares under vine, and the remaining land dedicated to forests and olive groves, underscoring their holistic approach to land stewardship.
Le Ragose’s wines are highly regarded for their elegance, authenticity, and ability to express the unique qualities of their high-altitude vineyards. The estate’s commitment to traditional methods, combined with a deep respect for the land, has earned them a loyal following among wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Their wines are frequently featured in international wine guides and are sought after for their longevity and distinctive character. Le Ragose continues to embody the values of patience, tradition, and family, producing wines that are a true reflection of Valpolicella’s rich heritage and singular terroir.