Paolo Brunello is the owner, farmer, and winemaker at Vignale di Cecilia in the Colli Euganei, a range of volcanic hills in the center of the Veneto. His family has been in the area for generations, making the traditional local blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, as well as the white Garganega for this wine. After a first career as a classical violinist, Paolo returned to the family business to take over the vines in 1998. He makes his wines organically and with an elegant touch that makes for astounding complexity and savor. The nose of this one shows pineapple, apricot, fleshy apple and lime zest, coriander, olive brine and sandstone minerality. The palate offers roasted pears and lemon curd with orange vibes coming through, buzzing with acid and a delicate tannic touch. Anise and dried aromatic herbs join in and linger unreasonably long on the finish. The Veneto is polenta and risotto country, and by sheer chance, those are the perfect pairs for this wine, especially if there are mushrooms involved.