This advertising content was produced in collaboration with our sponsors, Opici Family Distributing and Cesari.
A historic name in Italian winemaking, Cesari has played an instrumental role in elevating the robust wines of Verona to the world stage. Drawing on the sun-drenched vineyards of Valpolicella, the winery has crafted intense, elegant, character-driven wines for more than 85 years, leading Cesari to become one of the region’s most iconic and influential producers of Amarone. Though Cesari is celebrated for these full-bodied wines, their lighter and more approachable Justo Rosso has become the ideal entry point for younger generations of wine enthusiasts.
Loosely translating to “just right,” Justo offers a refreshing, fruit-forward contrast to Cesari’s richer wines, making it an ideal introduction to northeastern Italian reds. The wine is produced with Corvina, the signature grape of Valpolicella, and blended with Merlot, which provides the brightness and roundness that distinguishes Justo’s profile. And with an alcohol content of just 12.5 percent, the wine stands out as a lighter expression compared to the region’s typical offerings.
Under the vision of current winemaker Michele Gamba, Justo has further evolved, resulting in its ethereal freshness and easy drinkability. Although Corvina and Merlot grapes are still harvested together each September, Justo is no longer made using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are dried for 20 days to concentrate flavors and develop a rich, dried-fruit character. By forgoing this step, Justo now offers a lighter, fresher profile, crafted for immediate enjoyment upon release. This contemporary approach is echoed by the newly updated bottle design, featuring a more modern label that appeals to younger wine lovers, and enhances visibility in retail and bar settings.
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Cesari’s ability to produce exceptional light wines—an unusual style for the region—is yet another demonstration of the winery’s commitment to innovation. Pioneers of the Valpolicella region, the family has made wine since 1936, when founder Gerardo Cesari first crafted an Amarone that would compete with the world’s most prestigious red wines. In 1973, Cesari became one of the first wineries to export Amarone Classico to the United States. In the years since, Cesari has grown significantly, now utilizing over 100 hectares of vineyards extending across the surrounding areas of Valpolicella and the southern shores of Lake Garda. And the winery has only continued to captivate palates around the world.
As Cesari evolves to meet the tastes of a new generation, Justo Rosso stands as a testament to the house’s enduring vision that honors heritage and embraces the future.
Dispatch
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