With its magnificent landscapes and rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, Italy continues to fascinate. If you are a red wine enthusiast, it is impossible for you to overlook those from the Valpolicella region, a Veneto terroir particularly renowned for its elegant and expressive wines.
Let's embark on a journey to northern Italy and explore Valpolicella and its vineyards, from their origins to the current situation.Buon viaggio !
Summary
History and Origins of Valpolicella Wines
Located in Veneto, around the city of Verona, Valpolicella is a historic wine region of Italy.The first traces of viticulture here date back to Antiquity, where archaeological evidence (amphorae) confirms that the Romans were already producing wine. The name "Valpolicella" is said to derive from the Latin "Vallis Pulicella," meaning "valley of the small vineyards." Poetic, isn't it?
The Romans indeed greatly appreciated the wines from this region, which were also exported to other parts of the Empire.
Then, in the Middle Ages, the monasteries played a crucial role in the development of viticulture in the region. During this long period, the quality of the wines greatly improved.
The period of the Renaissance saw an increase in interest in Valpolicella wines, with several historical documents mentioning their high quality. The wine trade then developed significantly in the region, exporting its wines to other regions of Italy and beyond.
At the end of the 19th century, the phylloxera crisis severely affected viticulture throughout Europe. Valpolicella was not spared, and a large part of its vineyards had to be uprooted. However, although it took several decades, the vineyard was gradually replanted thanks to the expertise and tenacity of the local winemakers.
In the 20th century, Italy began to establish strict regulations on its wines, leading in 1968 to the official creation of the Valpolicella DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), thus defining winemaking practices, yield limits, and authorized grape varieties.
Today, the Valpolicella vineyard covers 7,000 hectares and produces only red wines. The produced cuvées have very varied aromatic profiles and several appellations (which we will discuss) coexist within the region.
Map of the appellations of the Veneto region
Climates and soils of the Valpolicella region
The Valpolicella DOC benefits from a unique natural environment, influenced by several geographical elements. The Lake Garda, nearby, acts as a true climate regulator. Its temperate waters indeed help to mild the temperatures, especially during the cooler months, and allow the vine to benefit from a favorable microclimate throughout the year.
This temperate climate, combined with gentle winds from the Lessini Mountains and the Dolomites, creates ideal conditions for viticulture.
The region also features a wide variety of sedimentary soils, mainly clay-limestone, but also with a notable presence of sand. This unique combination of minerals provides excellent drainage for the vines while retaining essential nutrients.
Another important criterion of the vineyard is its altitude. The Valpolicella vines indeed extend from 70m to 450m in height, allowing them to benefit from a significant thermal amplitude between day and night. This factor greatly enhances the aromatic complexity of the grapes.
Finally, another striking aspect of the Valpolicella terroir is the role of the winds.Here, the Bora and the Sirocco help to reduce ambient humidity, thus tempering the potential development of certain diseases.
Vineyard within the DOC Valpolicella
The wines of Valpolicella
Several appellations exist within the Valpolicella region. Nevertheless, wines bearing the name "Valpolicella" are all red and come from a unique blend of local grape varieties.
The Corvina (about 50% of the vineyard) plays an essential role here and is accompanied by the varieties Rondinella (about 25%) and Molinara (a little over 5%).Several other grape varieties such as Forselina, Negrara, and Oseleta are also allowed but in small percentages.
All these red grape varieties are appreciated for their ability to produce wines with very diverse styles, ranging from light and fruity cuvées to powerful and complex grand wines, all depending on the winemaking style employed by the winemaker.
But then, what exactly are the different types of Valpolicella you can taste?
Valpolicella DOC & Valpolicella Classico DOC
The Valpolicella DOC mainly produces dry red wines focused on fruit and lightness.
A light ruby color here releases notes of fresh cherry, raspberry, strawberry, or even violet.The acidity is very pleasant, making this type of wine fragrant and easy to drink.
Some wines may also bear the designation Valpolicella Classico DOC, meaning that they come from vineyards located in the historic heart of the vineyard, that is between the villages of Negrar, Marano, Fumane, Sant'Ambrogio, and San Pietro in Cariano. The vineyards here generally benefit from better climatic conditions and terroirs renowned for producing superior quality wines.
Finally, the mention "Superiore " guarantees you a Valpolicella (Classico or not) with more structure, a higher alcohol content, and a minimum aging of one year.
All these wines are best enjoyed at a serving temperature around 14-16°C.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
The uniqueness of wines bearing this designation lies in their secondary fermentation process.
A "classic " wine is produced here and then brought back into contact with the berries used to produce Amarone or Recioto (see the rest of the article), still imbued with sugars and aromatic compounds. This "repassing" (ripasso) enriches the wine with flavors and structure, offering notes of black cherry, plum, dried fig, as well as chocolate and tobacco.
Therefore, Valpolicella Ripasso is richer and more full-bodied than classic Valpolicella, but also has supple tannins and well-balanced acidity.It is recommended to serve this type of cuvée at a temperature around 16-18°C.
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
The Amarone della Valpolicella is undoubtedly the most prestigious wine of the region. This red wine is produced using a grape drying method, called “ appassimento ”.
After the harvest (usually quite late to promote high ripeness), the grape clusters are placed in boxes in a ventilated room to dehydrate them. This process, generally lasting between 3 and 4 months, concentrates the berries in sugars and aromas.Then, the grapes are pressed, and the must is fermented, thus creating a very powerful, alcoholic, and complex wine.
Indeed, Amarone offers a particularly rich and intense array of aromas. Very ripe dark fruits (black cherry, blackberry, plum) are accompanied by notes of dried fruits (figs, raisins), as well as aromas of cocoa, licorice, tobacco, and leather. With age, Amarone develops aromas of prunes, truffle, and coffee.
On the palate, the texture of Amarone is velvety and, while the tannins are present, they are rather silky. Finally, although a certain sweetness may be perceived during tasting, a beautiful acidity is generally present, allowing for a balance of all this power.
Amarone is decidedly a great age-worthy red wine, capable of aging for several decades. It should be served at a temperature between 16-18°C.
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Recioto della Valpolicella is an iconic sweet red wine from the region.
Here, the winemaking process is the same as Amarone (drying the grapes on racks), with the key difference that the grapes must lose at least 50% of their weight before they can be vinified.For Amarone, the loss is "only" 30 to 40%.
Another notable difference, the fermentation is stopped here to preserve some of the sugars, resulting in a sweet wine.
It should be noted that Recioto is the ancestor of Amarone ! As global demand has shifted towards a preference for dry wines (without sugars), winemakers have had to adapt and now produce more Amarone than Recioto.
From an aromatic perspective, Recioto offers notes of dried fruits, chocolate, cherry, and spices. Its sweetness is well balanced by a refreshing acidity. This latter is generally served at a temperature between 14 and 16 °C.
What to eat with Valpolicella wines ?
Now that you know the different wines of the region, let's sit down and discover some examples of dishes with which you can enjoy each of these vintages.
With the "classic" wines of Valpolicella
The wines of DOC Valpolicella & Valpolicella Classico are perfect for appetizers. Their freshness and light fruitiness will indeed pair wonderfully with bruschettas topped with tomatoes and olive oil, or with a delicious charcuterie board.
Marinated olives, soft cheeses, or even tapenade toasts are also good choices to accompany this type of wine.
With a Valpolicella Ripasso
Thanks to its texture and creaminess, Valpolicella Ripasso requires more structured dishes. It pairs ideally with, for example, porcini mushroom risotto or meat dishes in sauce like osso bucco or even eggplant alla Parmigiana.
White meats (chicken, veal, turkey, pork, etc.), if well-seasoned, also pair well with Valpolicella Ripasso.
With an Amarone della Valpolicella
The power and aromatic intensity of an Amarone almost obligatorily suggests red meat. Rare steak with pepper sauce, game, beef stew, or leg of lamb will enhance this great nectar.
More surprisingly, the smooth sensation that Amarone generally leaves in the mouth allows it to pair deliciously with chocolate desserts ! So try a chocolate fondant or a tiramisu if you don't believe me !
What better than an Amarone della Valpolicella to enhance a rare steak?
With a Recioto della Valpolicella
The Recioto della Valpolicella, with its sweetness and richness, is mainly intended for dessert. Chocolate cakes, truffles, or fondants indeed perfectly complement the sweetness of this wine.Fruit desserts such as cherry pies or raspberry ones are also excellent pairings, as are dried fruits.
Finally, Recioto can also pair gracefully with aged cheeses like gorgonzola or parmesan.
The best wines of Valpolicella
There are many vineyards in the Valpolicella region.
This small family property of 4 hectares located in the historic heart of the vineyard is indeed recognized for its high-quality wines.Although not officially certified, the vineyard is otherwise expertly managed with techniques very close to organic farming.
Embark on a journey to discover their Valpo’ classico or their Amarone, you'll be impressed !
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