When you think of the Valpolicella region, what comes to mind? You probably think of Ripasso and Amarone, as these are popular styles that the region is known for. However, it might be time to re-discover what Valpolicella is producing – it might just surprise you!
Did you know?
Corvina – is the most planted grape
Other main varietals include: Rondinella, Corvinone & Molinara
Other grapes grown: Oseleta, Croatina, Dindarella & Spigamonti
(repeat those 10 times fast!)
Fun Facts:
Ripasso – is obtained by refermenting the Valpolicella and residual Amarone grape skins (marc).
Amarone – is made out of dry grapes, left in fruit drying lofts for 100-120 days, during which the drying process of the grapes increases the sugar content. This style has the highest aging potential among Italian wines.
Recioto – is made out of dry grapes, left in fruit drying lofts for 100 – 120 days. Fermentation is stopped to preserve this wine’s typical structure and sweetness.
I recently attended a Valpolicella tasting in Vancouver, and I was pleasantly surprised by the lighter, fresh wines I tasted, many with a lower alc % than I had expected.
Everything was so approachable, and the fresh, bright fruits sparkled in all the wines. What a pleasure. It confirmed the fact it’s time I rediscovered the wines of this region.
Here are some of the wines tasted at the event:
Bertani
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Valpantena 2020 – refreshing, depth, and complex, my first taste of the event was a great start!
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena 2020 – a younger version of their Amarone, with cigar, leather, and earth notes, quite beautiful (wow).
Catullo Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2018 – so expressive and “light on its feet” not what they are traditionally known for!
Corte Figaretto
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Valpantena Superiore 2020 “Acini Ameni” – bright, crunchy, light chalky tannins, oh it’s reminiscent of a nice Pinot Noir.
Valpolicella DOC Superiore 2019 “Alte Quare” – Single vineyard, richer and more concentrated, dark fruit, leather, chalky tannins, really very beautiful.
Massimago
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018 “Conte Gastone” – smooth and balanced, velvety texture, red and dark cherry, hint of mocha, mmmm.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2021 “Marchesa MariaBella” – the tannins dance with black cherries, this wine is oh so goood.
Valpolicella DOC 2021 “Duca Fedele” – bright, fresh, so very welcoming, more corvina in this blend.
Love the labels and how they steer away from the traditional look, in order to attract a new demographic who may be less familiar with these wines.
Riondo
Valpolicella DOC Superiore 2020 – notes of licorice, blueberry, and cherry notes pop!
Valpolicella Ripasso 2019 – smooth sailing, almost light on the palate.
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 – fresh, and big, but deserves food to showcase itself, it’s not as big as a typical Amarone.
Cantine di Verona
Valpolicella DOC Superiore 2015 “Brolo dei Giusti” – still so bright on the palate, calmed perhaps, chalky spicy tannins, delicious.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2018 “Torre Del Falasco” – bright and luscious, so good.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Valpantena 2019 “Ritocco” – bright, stewed, and dried mixed dark fruit.
Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 “Torre Del Falasco” – traditional style with that stewed sticky baked fruit, big and round.
Valentina Cubi
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2013 “Morar” – easy drinking, very welcoming, the higher alc % is well balanced.
Valpolicella DOC Classico 2021 “Iperico” – apparently a good vintage, farm notes, and pepper, wow how fun, light, and so easy to drink.
Valpolicella DOC Classico superiore 2017 “Il Tabarro” – great body, but still light, quite fun.
All these wines were a delight to taste.
CorteForte
Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico 2016 “Amandorlato” – A delish sweet wine – sherried, full body, rich, sweet, raisin, dried fig, candied and dried dark fruit.
Until next time, I hope you’ll re-discover Valpolicella with me; better yet, fly to Verona in Italy and discover the region in person!
Enjoy, Donita
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