Valpolicella: wines that enchant

In October 2022, a murmur went through the wine world. And a positive one at that. This was when it was announced that the Valpolicella consortium had submitted an application for the Appassimento process to become an intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site. This step should not have come as a surprise to most experts. After all, the Appassimento method, in which the freshly harvested and healthy grapes are dried on special racks for around 100 days before vinification, is used in two Valpolicella wines. The method also originates from the growing region - and has made it famous.

While the sweet wine Recioto della Valpolicella is still a small specialty outside of Italy or even Veneto, the Amarone della Valpolicella has long since achieved world fame with its intense aromas and extreme longevity. Together with the Appassimento method, it forms the heart of Valpolicella, so to speak. But the 8,586 hectares of vineyards north of Verona have even more to offer than Appassimento wines. They may be the big stars, but the other two wines produced in the Veneto region of Valpolicella are also extremely interesting for the wine trade. So let's take a look at the details.

Valpolicella wine: Good to know

Valpolicella wine: geography and climate

Valpolicella extends over 30,000 hectares ten kilometers west of Lake Garda across eleven valleys to the southernmost part of Lessini, the Venetian Alpine foothills. Lake Garda and Lessini have different influences on the temperate continental climate. Both have a moderating effect on high and low temperatures in summer and winter. The 8,586 hectares of vineyards are mostly located on the valley slopes and face south.

Limestone generally characterizes the hilly band that connects the eleven valleys. This limestone provides elegant and sometimes mineral notes in the wines. Wines produced on limestone are generally fine and delicate. In the Valpolicella region, however, there are also such diverse soil formations as marl, clay, sand, tuff, silt and decomposed tuff and basalt of volcanic origin. These can alternate every few meters.

Valpolicella zones

Of course, there are clearly defined areas for the different origins. The extensive DOC and DOCG wine-growing area of Valpolicella covers the strip of the municipality of Verona and is divided into three different zones according to the production regulations:

The classic area (Classico), which consists of five geographical zones that include the areas of Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella and San Pietro in Cariano, as well as the valleys of Fumane, Marano di Valpolicella and Negrar di Valpolicella.
The Valpantena area, including the valley of the same name.
The Valpolicella DOC area with the districts of the municipality of Verona and the valleys of Illasi, Tramigna and Mezzane.

Valpolicella wine styles

All Valpolicella wines are blends of different red grape varieties. Corvina is included in every cuvée and forms the backbone. Rondinella and Corvinone are the flanking grapes. However, international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also permitted in some cases. However, these only make up a negligible proportion. With the list of grape varieties for Valpolicella wines in mind, let's take a closer look at the four different types.

Valpolicella DOC

These red wines form the basis of Valpolicella growths. A Valpolicella DOC tends to be leaner, with a fine acidity and an often seductive cherry aroma. Sometimes there are also nuances of rose petals. On the palate, the wine is very lively, with plenty of freshness and a harmonious spiciness. Even here there are hints of bitter almond, which is typical of all Valpolicella wines.

There is also a Valpolicella Superiore DOC, for which the grapes are selected even more carefully. It is also often matured in wooden barrels, which gives it more intensity and body. While a Valpolicella DOC is an excellent accompaniment to lighter starters, the Valpolicella Superiore DOC can easily be served with red meat.

Valpolicella Ripasso DOC

The name says it all. Because Ripasso means “another pass”. In this case, a further fermentation is meant. After 10 to 15 days, the marc from the Amarone della Valpolicella or Recioto della Valpolicella is added to initiate a second fermentation. This makes the wine stronger and gives it more alcohol and depth. On the nose, there are mainly hints of red fruits such as strawberries, cherries and raspberries. Sometimes blackberries are also added. Mint or floral notes are also not uncommon.

The vanilla note, which comes from the traditional ageing in wooden barrels, is also typical. The Valpolicella Ripasso DOC delights the palate with its full body and velvety mouthfeel. The tannins here are generally very round and harmonious. Valpolicella Ripasso DOC can also be labeled “Classico” and “Valpantena” as well as with the classification “Superiore”. For the wines Valpolicella Ripasso Classico and Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena, Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore and Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena Superiore, the vinification, ripening of the grapes and ageing of the wine must take place within the boundaries of the respective growing region.

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

And here it is, the superstar from the Valpolicella region! For Amarone della Valpolicella, the grapes are dried on wooden racks for at least 100 days after harvesting so that water evaporates while acidity, sugar and extract substances are retained and become increasingly concentrated. As there is a risk of rotting, the grapes have to be laboriously turned, rearranged and, if necessary, sorted out during this process and also ventilated by fans before they are pressed almost as raisins.

The longer and more carefully the appassimento is carried out, the higher the concentrate. Due to the high sugar content, the yeasts reach alcohol levels of around 15% by volume before they die off. However, a lot of sugar remains in the must. However, Amarone undergoes further fermentation, which helps the wine reach alcohol levels of up to 16 or 17%. The special feature: As a rule, the alcohol is excellently integrated and harmonizes perfectly with the accentuated hints of dried fruit and tobacco as well as the balsamic notes. This powerful and full-bodied wine can mature for a little while.

Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG

As with the legendary Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, the winegrowers leave the grapes to rest on special racks after the harvest. Just as the Appassimento method prescribes. Once the drying process is complete, the grapes are pressed. Unlike Amarone, the wine is produced by interrupting fermentation in order to preserve a residual sugar content, which gives it both a sweet character and is suitable for balancing the tannin structure and alcohol content.

On the nose, the sweet wine shines with opulent hints of black cherry jam, dried fruit and a delicate balsamic note. On the palate, the dense and very precise structure is impressive. The sweetness is perfectly integrated, so that a Recioto della Valpolicella always shines with a beautiful freshness and liveliness. The tannins are velvety, the wine itself is finely balanced and blessed with a deliciously long finish.

Valpolicella wines in detail

Valpolicella: Economic factor wine

Of the 67.4 million bottles of Valpolicella wine produced each year, no less than 60% are exported. This means that the wines are undoubtedly highly sought-after and respected internationally. And that doesn't just apply to Amarone della Valpolicella! Canada, for example, already imports 39% of its export Valpolicella DOC! In general, most bottles of Valpolicella DOC are exported outside Europe, while Valpolicella Ripasso DOC is particularly popular in European countries such as Sweden, the UK and Switzerland. Canada is also ahead here with 26%. In the case of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, however, Europe and the rest of the world almost balance each other out. The main importer here is the USA with 14% - closely followed by Canada (13%). No export figures are available for Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG.

It may come as a surprise that at a time when consumers are increasingly opting for leaner red wines, blockbusters such as Amarone are still in such high demand. However, this is not so far-fetched due to its standing and quality. However, the fact that taste preferences seem to be changing worldwide is a great advantage for Valpolicella DOC, which meets these needs perfectly - and also generally offers a wonderful price-pleasure ratio.

Your selling points for Valpolicella wines

• Amarone della Valpolicella very well known and appreciated worldwide
•  Enormous range of different wines
• Largely very good price-pleasure ratio
•  Every quality level is catered for
• Excellent food companions