Valpolicella

  • M&S Collection Amarone della Valpolicella

    M&S Collection Amarone della Valpolicella

    The M&S Collection series is their premium wine range, designed to elevate their offerings and showcase winemaking craftsmanship. Among these, the Amarone della Valpolicella 2021 is, so far, my favourite in the collection. This wine, produced by Cantine Giacomo Montresor, a winery with roots dating back to 1892, comes in at 14.5% ABV. While on…

  • Sainsbury’s Valpolicella Ripasso

    Sainsbury’s Valpolicella Ripasso

    The 2020 vintage, made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone and Croatina grapes. This wine is described on the bottle as “juicy ripe cherries, rich and complex,” due to the Ripasso technique. However, my experience with this particular bottle was somewhat unexpected. While the wine is ok, Instead of the anticipated concentrated fruit notes,…

  • Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superoire

    Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superoire

    The Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore from Aldi uses the traditional Ripasso technique for an added richness and depth, a characteristic feature of the process where the wine undergoes a second fermentation. It’s created predominantly from 75% Corvina, complemented by 20% Corvinone and 5% Rondinella. I tried the 2021 vintage. Olly Smith noted the 2019…

  • Understanding Valpolicella and Amarone

    Understanding Valpolicella and Amarone

    Valpolicella is a wine-producing region in Italy combining traditional techniques with the variable geography of the Verona province. Located between the Lessini Mountains and Lake Garda, Valpolicella’s landscape has a varying terrain – mountainous areas, hilly vineyards and fertile valley floors. In 2020, this region boasted a large €600 million turnover, with a significant 70%…

  • Amarone Calling

    Amarone Calling

    On 20th November 2023 I attended the ‘Amarone Calling’ tasting, a collaboration between the UK Sommelier Association and the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella, the Italian organisation dedicated to promoting and controlling the appellation of Valpolicella wines. The event focused on showcasing a range of Valpolicella and Amarone wines, offering a unique opportunity to explore these…

  • Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

    Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

    I recently had the pleasure of dining at the excellent Mercato Italiano in Bridport, Dorset. It was here that I discovered the Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso, DOC certified and medium to full-bodied. The blend of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes blends beautifully to create a great flavour. A high rating of 4.0 on Vivino…