Venice's Hidden Treasures
While tourists flock to Venice's canals, wine lovers know the real treasures lie in the surrounding hills. Veneto's red wines tell a fascinating story - one where ancient drying techniques meet modern winemaking, creating some of Italy's most distinctive bottles.
The Valpolicella Magic
North of Verona, where pre-Alpine hills create natural amphitheaters, something special happens. Here, indigenous varieties like Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara combine to create wines that range from light and cheerful to profound and contemplative. The secret? It's all about those cooling breezes from Lake Garda and the ancient art of grape-drying.
A Style for Every Palate
Valpolicella Classico: The Charming Introducer
Think of it as Veneto's answer to Beaujolais - vibrant, cherry-scented, and wonderfully food-friendly. These wines capture the region's lighter side, with that distinctive bitter almond finish that makes you reach for another glass.
Ripasso: The Clever Middle Child
Ah, the "baby Amarone" as some call it. By referencing the dried grape skins from Amarone production, these wines gain remarkable depth. Expect dark cherries, spice, and that silky texture that makes them so dangerously drinkable.
Amarone della Valpolicella: The Crown Jewel
This is where things get serious. Through the ancient appassimento process, grapes slowly dry for months, concentrating flavors and creating something magical. Rich, powerful, yet somehow maintaining elegance - these wines are meditation in a glass.
Recioto: The Sweet Secret
Not every dried grape becomes Amarone. Some create this gorgeous sweet red that's sadly too rare outside Italy. Imagine liquid black forest gateau with none of the heaviness.
The Art of Appassimento
Those drying rooms (fruttai) are where the magic happens. For months, specially selected grape bunches slowly dehydrate, concentrating sugars and developing complex flavors. It's a risky, labor-intensive process that explains why these wines command premium prices.
Understanding the Styles
Young Valpolicella: Fresh cherry fruit, light body, that typical bitter almond finish
Ripasso: Fuller body, darker fruits, spice notes, wonderful versatility
Amarone: Rich, complex, with dried fruit, chocolate, spice - a true meditation wine
Recioto: Sweet but balanced, intense dried fruit, perfect with cheese or chocolate
Choosing Your Moment
Tuesday night pizza? Grab a Valpolicella Classico
Weekend dinner party? Ripasso won't disappoint
Special celebration? Time for Amarone
After-dinner treat? Recioto will amaze your guests
Recent Vintages Worth Seeking
2016: Outstanding balance across all styles
2015: Powerful, especially for Amarone
2019: Excellent for fresh Valpolicella
2017: Challenging year but top producers excelled
Food Pairing Magic
Veneto reds are incredibly food-friendly:
Valpolicella: Pizza, pasta, light meat dishes
Ripasso: Roasted meats, aged cheeses
Amarone: Game, braised beef, meditation
Recioto: Blue cheese, dark chocolate
Value for Money
While Amarone commands premium prices (and deserves them), Valpolicella and Ripasso offer remarkable value. Look for wines from smaller producers in the Classico zone - they often deliver way above their price point.
