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Valpolicella, An Exceptional Vineyard To Discover

Valpolicella is the first Italian appellation by value, second to only Chianti and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo in red wine production. Its name is thought to be a mix of Latin and ancient Greek, and translates to “valley of many cellars.” The region’s revered red wines are diverse, spanning four styles:

This truly exceptional vineyard is located in the area of Verona. First, one of its wines derives its originality from a technique dating back to Antiquity; then this same wine, called Amarone, is among the most famous and expensive in the whole country.

Three grape varieties typical of the region are allowed in the appellation, namely Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, as well as, for the most part, other grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Usually it’s wine with a full-bodied aroma of flowers, smoked almonds and leather on the palate, typical of Valpolicella, supple, sapid, light and with a marked finish. It’s a very good companion to pasta dishes with tomato sauce or Bolognese sauce or roasted white meats. Serve it around 16 degrees.

Our selection of Valpolicella

Campolieti Valpolicella Ripasso by Luigi Righetti 2017

Campolieti Valpolicella Ripasso by Luigi Righetti 2017

Certainly, one of the most redeeming aspects of working in the wine business, is the wonderful people we meet and get to work with. What always amazes us is the high percentage of wineries that are still family owned and operated. In fact, many of the world’s greatest and most recognizable wines and wineries, are those that have been operated for generations by the same family.

Love this velvety, more concentrated Valpolicella that borrows some of the chocolate-cherry richness of Amarone while holding onto its freshness and nerve. Some like to call it “baby Amarone”.

This baby Amarone is what the best Ripassos are all about!

Valpolicella Ripasso by Feudi San Pio 2017

Valpolicella Ripasso by Feudi San Pio 2017

It is wonderful when you pull a cork and get more than what you were expecting. The wines from San Pio always deliver. These are big and hearty well made reds that leave no room for doubt. YUM. Their wines are dependable and the prices are more than fair.

For those that prefer a big, round and fruity wine, the San Pio Ripasso is hard to beat. Blow your friends mind’s with your wine savvy! Concentrated dried fruit, coffee, toast, chocolate, vanilla and black liquorice make for a wonderfully intense and layered nose. The palate is well structured and flavourful. Upfront fruit with black pepper spice and coffee touches fill the mouth. The tannins are drying, but not overpowering. Warm and fruity..

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG by La Collina dei Ciliegi 2015

Only 21 out of over 6000 wines tasted were awarded the prestigious “Great Gold Medal” at the Berlin wine festival.

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG by La Collina dei Ciliegi 2015

This is some delicious Amarone. Ciliegi is doing a flat out amazing job. When it comes to wineries in the Veneto region, Ciliegi is a relatively new winery. They have set out to be considered when discussing the best producers in the region, and they are well on their way. If you love Amarone, (most of us do), it is hard not to own a case, or a few of Ciliegi’s wine.

The fact that this wine is a quadruple Gold Medal Winner, (including a double gold and the Great Gold from Berlin), only helps to back up the point, that this is right there with the best Amarone there is.

From a highly lauded cellar, this is a magnificent red. Fragrant, gamey and sensuous, with dark fruit, spice, tobacco leaf and dried floral notes. Structured, rich, juicy palate with liquorice/chicory root savoury elements, well-managed tannins and fruit intensity. Decent acid and a spirit finish. Austere, yet with length and freshness.

Valpolicella Classico DOC by Luigi Righetti 2018

This bottle is made by a family that has focused on producing quality wines offering extremely good value since 1909. Gian Maria Righetti is the fifth generation within the Righetti family to carry on the family, wine-making tradition.

We are always very happy when our hard work sourcing great quality wines pays off and we find the producers that make serious and delicious wines. Small boutique wineries such has Righetti, where the utmost attention is paid to every detail, excites us even more.

Aromatic with cherries and a hint of almond. Lighter-bodied and predominantly fruity, it shows unusually good fruit concentration for Valpolicella, with lovely cherry fruit flavours, violets and a hint of white pepper.

Downright deliciousness at 16.95/bottle. I’m confident this will soon become your next “it” wine where popping corks become irrelevant.

Valpolicella Classico DOC by Luigi Righetti 2018

Have you tried Valpolicella before? What did you think of it? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Where to find this our Valpolicella wines in Canada?
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Campolieti Valpolicella Ripasso by Luigi Righetti 2017
Valpolicella Ripasso by Feudi San Pio 2017
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG by La Collina dei Ciliegi 2015
Valpolicella Classico DOC by Luigi Righetti 2018

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