www.filipplomagnani.it/www.liz-palmer.com – Filippo Magagni in an article on Amarone Opera Prima Centenaria 2025 (03-25):

" A relatively new producer, Contrada Palui was created by the innovative and passionate Hannes Pichler. The unique location benefits from 500 meters elevation and 180 degrees of sun exposure. The soil composition is that of clay and limestone with flint and black basalt. This combination of soils and location allows Hannes to produce very terroir driven wines …. Brilliant and clean (Amarone) … I have really appreciated this wine.””

 

Sommelier Life – Raffaele Mosca in “Amarone della Valpolicella is changing face: six wines to be sure of it” after “Amarone Opera Prima Centenaria 2025” (02-25):

"Surprising wine from a small winery between Grezzana and Ilasi that debuted in 2018 … shows an unusual balance of flavour, with a burst of blood orange that dampens the usual fruit, sculpting a progression of compelling energy.” (94/100)

 

Winemag – Davide Bortone on our Amarone 2020 in an article on the best Amarone of the “Amarone Opera Prima Centenaria 2025” (02-25):

"We are in the heart of the Amarone Revolution … Sapidity, acid tension and optimal management of grape drying, in a framework that combines extreme pleasantness and “water bottle” drinkability. An Amarone that is both, deep and ethereal.” (95/100)

 

the drinks business - Filippo Bartolotta on our Amarone 2020 in an article on “Amarone Opera Prima Centenaria 2025” (02-25):

"… this bone-dry wine is a new wave hero, perfect for both now and ageing.” (92/100)

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Jancis Robinson -  Walter Speller in “Italian new releases late 2024” (01-25):

"I also came across an interesting Valpolicella estate, Contrada Palui, situated in Trezzolano, a quiet corner away from the noise of the Classico area obsessed with Amarone and sales, at 500 m (1,640 ft) in elevation … his Graspo Alto Valpolicella Superiore, fermented in stainless steel and aged in amphora, is super-elegant and fresh, while Campo Selce, made from lightly dried grapes, is truly out of step with the stereotypical Valpolicellas of this style, with lots of freshness and elegance.” - Full article

 

Gambero Rosso in “Vini d’Italia 2025” (11-24): 

"The small winery run by Hannes Pichler develops at 500 meters above sea level near Trezzolano, where vineyards were planted on untouched soil. Today they are beginning to bear fruits of great value. A South Tyrolean style of wines that aim at finesse, as happens for Graspo Alto '22”.

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Club Oenologique - Sarah Heller (MW) in "The Amarone della Valpolicella Report 2024" (09-24): 

"Known for an envelope-pushing but elegant approach to Amarone, Contrada Palui has struck gold in 2019. Its high-altitude (500m) site with a combination of limestone and basalt soils has produced an open, pretty nose, sparkling with violets and candied cherry, with a rich mint-chocolate overlay... Transparency, acidity and a pleasing buckskin tannic tightness through the middle give immense drinkability and appeal." (94 points) - Full article

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James Suckling - Ned Goodwin (Senior Editor - MW) on our Amarone 2019 (04-24): 

"This is an impressive Amarone, challenging contemporary notions of what constitutes drinkability when it comes to this dried-fruit style ... I like this. An erudite approach to conferring tension via well-applied structural techniques." (93 points)

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The Drinks Business - Filippo Bartolotta on Amarone Opera Prima 2024 (03-24):

"... some Valpolicella producers have pursued alternative approaches, emphasising specific terroirs, grape varieties and gentler winemaking techniques...smaller wineries often pioneer these changes, taking risks and challenging conventions. The new winery to watch is Contrada Palui, with Hans Pichler showcasing a delightfully transparent and vibrant 2018 Amarone with only 0.8 g/l of residual sugar..." Full article 

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VinoNews24 - Eugenia Torelli on Amarone Opera Prima 2024 (02-24):

"Finally, there are a series of younger companies... which are immediately showing an approach less inclined towards softness. Some examples are Contrada Palui - probably the revelation of this preview - ..." Full article (Italian)

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Gambero Rosso - Nicola Frasson on Amarone Opera Prima 2024 (02-24):

"The Amarone Opera Prima event took place in Verona ... We present the best ... On the nose the wine (Amarone 19 contrada palui) follows an original register, outlined by a wild cherry which maintains a hint of acidity and a strong presence of spices. On the palate it is agile and lends itself well to accompanying food." Full article (Italian)

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www.liz-palmer.com - Filippo Magnani on Amarone Opera Prima 2024 (02-24):

"The soil composition is that of clay and limestone with flint and black basalt. This combination of soils and location allows Hannes to produce very terroir driven wines...brilliant and clean." Full article

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Quercus Vino - Matt Stevens in a review of Contrada Palui's Amarone 2019 (02-24):

"I love discovering a new wine that leaves a lasting impression, a wine that stands-out in a sea of premium wines given its unique characteristics, a wine that you find yourself reflecting on weeks after tasting it. ... The challenge of producing expressive terroir wines whilst employing a winemaking technique that literally transforms the grapes before they're pressed (appassimento - grape drying), some would say potentially masking the nuanced aspects of the terroir. So when you discover a 100% appassimento wine, such as Contrada Palui's Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, that shows such distinct terroir characteristics, its a prime example of talented winemaking highlighting the unique terroir to deliver expressive and balanced wines." Full article 

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Food&Wine Italia - Giambattista Marchetto on Amarone Opera Prima 2024 (02-24):

"...then, in the glasses of historic cellars and young realities, there are confirmations of a journey in progress: from Bertani to Corte Sant'Alda ... up to the interesting Contrada Palui. The wine (Amarone 2019) is still too young and deserves a few more years in the bottle, but the tasting outlines trajectories to follow carefully." Full article (Italian)

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Wine Tales Magazine - Benedetta Costanzo on Amarone Opera Prima 2024 (02-24):

"During the tasting of the Amarone 2019 (of Contrada Palui) ... I had impressions that felt like intriguing bets, especially for the unique mix used in the refinement, combining Trentino Tava amphorae and wood. The company, young and dynamic, seems to have clear ideas on how to evolve in the right direction, underlining a commitment to innovation and quality." Full article (Italian)

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Wining Press - Daniela De Morgex on Amarone Opera Prima 2024 (02-24):

"During the tasting, some Amarone definitely appeared more elegant, slim and fresh (Secondo Marco, Corte S. Alda, Massimago, Contrada Palui), while still maintaining a high evolutionary potential..." Full article (Italian)

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Wine News on Amarone Opera Prima 2024 (02-24):

"Among the 73 wines tasted (presented by 71 companies) at the technical tasting of Amarone della Valpolicella 2019, according to Wine News staff emerged (amongst 14 highlighted wines) ... the clear juiciness of Contrada Palui's Amarone della Valpolicella 2019, which has made of transparency its trademark." Full article (Italian)

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Winemag.it - Davide Bortone (07-23):

"Graspo Alto of Contrada Palui: the Valpolicella Doc that changes the rules of the game..." Full article (Italian)