Wine grapes rank among the most complex and fascinating plants in the world. Their diverse DNA gives winemakers the tools to create an incredible range of wine styles and flavors. At St. Julian, innovation starts in the vineyard. That’s why the team continues to introduce and plant new grape varieties. One of the newest additions to the more than 90 grape varieties St. Julian harvests is Verona.
Every varietal expresses traits that reflect the grape’s unique personality. Introduced in 2015, Verona is an American hybrid grape bred for cold hardiness, frost resistance, and high-quality wine production. The grape naturally produces high tannins, which support full-bodied red wines. Flavor profiles begin with vibrant raspberry, then evolve into notes of blackberry, tobacco, and cocoa.
The name Verona holds special meaning for the St. Julian family. In Italian, Verona means “truth,” and it also represents a city rich in Roman history and culture. Apollo and Julia Braganini, the grandparents of current President Apollo Braganini II, shared a deep connection to Italy. As Italian-American immigrants, they spoke Italian as their first language and traveled frequently throughout the country.
Most of their visits focused on Northern Italy, where family still lived. While they loved Apollo’s hometown of Porpetto, they spent much of their time in Venice and Verona. These cities offered energy, history, and cultural diversity. According to John Braganini, “My parents enjoyed a rich and rewarding marriage, and they were captivated by the story of Romeo and Juliet. That fascination only deepened their love for Verona. It became their favorite Italian city, and they often returned home with gifts of Northern Italian fare.”
St. Julian’s first release of this varietal is Braganini Reserve Verona, crafted in a sweet ice-style expression. Winemakers concentrated the sugars by freezing the juice and removing water before fermentation. This process intensified both sweetness and flavor. The finished wine delivers a lush, deep profile with 18.9 percent residual sugar.
Looking ahead, St. Julian plans to explore Verona in dry styles as well. These future releases will draw inspiration from Valpolicella wines of the Veneto region. Through Verona, St. Julian continues to blend innovation, heritage, and storytelling into every bottle.
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