Valpolicella Wine 101: The Insider's Guide to Italy's Most Coveted Wine

Come join us on a journey of an Italian classic wine as we deep dive into the amazing world of this wine, It’s a journey that you are going to thoroughly enjoy! This comprehensive post unveils the secrets behind Valpolicella and the subtle aspects that make this wine such a pleaser. Whether you’re a novice connoisseur eager to discover more about this wine or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide offers essential insights Into Valpolicella production, style’s, variety, and so much more.

It's time to get right into it and explore something awesome. But first, let’s get to know exactly what this wine is all about!

What is Valpolicella Wine?

Valpolicella wine is a rich red wine known for its fruity flavours that comprise of cherry or raspberry depending on the style and variety that you pick. Made primarily with a variety of grapes that include Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and Valpolicella, when sipped this wine is mildly acidic in taste. With its origin in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy and with an ABV range between 8-16%, this is a fine Italian delight that you will totally relish!

For the best sipping experience, gently swirl this wine around your red wine glass, then inhale its aroma and take your first sip. When sipped, swirl the wine around your mouth to truly experience the incredible flavour and balance of acidity. You’ll thoroughly enjoy the sipping experience and keep coming back for more—that's a guarantee!

From Grapes to Glass: The Journey of Valpolicella Wine

The finest grapes from Italy’s Veneto region are carefully selected and then go in for harvesting. Once harvested the selected grapes are gently crushed to extract their juice, which then goes through a fermentation process. Post fermentation and ageing in oak barrels the wine gets blended and bottled ready for consumption. This ensures the wine is enriched resulting in a deep, rich, robust flavour.

The bottles are then packed and made ready for consumption.  Let’s now explore the various styles of this one-of-a kind wine!

Decoding Valpolicella's Diverse Wine Styles

Valpolicella wines offer a mix of unique flavours each with a story of its own to tell. Let’s take you through each style so that you know what suits you. Read on.

  1. Classico - A bright fruit aroma and sharp acidity characterise the light-bodied, fresh Valpolicella style known as classico. It is the ideal choice for informal sipping, with notes of red cherry, raspberry, and a hint of spice. Sip away on this one on all those casual occasions or just when you’re in the mood for a nice refreshing change on a weekday.

  2. Amarone - Made from dried grapes, Amaraone is a strong, full-bodied wine with a high alcohol content and rich taste. Amarone is renowned for its depth and complexity, displaying rich aromas of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice. This opulent wine is ideal for any formal gathering. This wine is a powerful expression of Italy's finest craftsmanship, perfect for those who savour life's richest moments.

  3. Ripasso - Referred to as the "baby Amarone," this wine is made using a special method that includes fermenting regular Valpolicella wine using the remaining Amarone grape skins. The end product is a silky, velvety wine that is exquisitely balanced and delightful to sip. Ripasso combines a richness of innovation with the elegance of tradition to create a wine that is appropriate for every setting.

  4. Recioto - Recioto is a sweet dessert wine akin to Amarone, but with an early fermentation halt to preserve residual sugar. This wine is made using dried grapes, raisins, figs and chocolates. Recioto wine goes well with sweets or can be savoured as a rich after-dinner treat.

Now that you are well versed with the different Valpolicella wine styles, pick an option that suits your taste and sip away on some fine wine!

Exploring the Finest Valpolicella Wines Available

Experience the pinnacle of Valpolicella wine region's wine making excellence as we take you on a journey through it. Experience a carefully chosen range of the best Valpolicella wines, each showcasing a distinct flavour and handcrafted quality.

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1. Montegradella Valpolicella Classico Superiore

This wine embodies the essence of its terroir in the hills of northern Verona's Classico area. It has a deep red colour and a complex fragrance with notes of plum, cassis, and herbs along with ripe fruit. With an 8% ABV, the Montegradella Valpolicella Classico Superiore has a silky texture, with a medium to full body, and an alluring, juicy taste on the palate.
$24.99 each

2. Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore

Is an award-winning example of northern Italian winemaking, showcases the traditional ripasso technique.  It offers a full-bodied experience that balances richness with elegance, making it a superb choice for those seeking a value-for-money Italian red. With notes of dark chocolate, espresso beans, and ripe cherries and an ABV of 14% this is a wine that you don't want to miss out on for anything.
$24.99 each

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3. Amarone della Valpolicella

Celebrated for its medium-bodied, dry profile with a robust flavour and an ABV of 15.5% this wine is a hedonistic delight in each sip. Boasting of deep, rich flavours that envelop the palate with absolute richness and smoothness with a lingering finish that lasts for a while. It’s the perfect wine for folks who appreciate the finer things in life.
$54.88 each

4. Valpolicella DOC Superiore Ripasso

A full-bodied and dry wine crafted from vineyards situated in the hillside areas of Valpantena, northeastern Valpolicella.  Aged in various oak barrels for 8 months followed by bottle ageing for an additional 2-3 months, this wine has always been a crowd puller! Get your hands on a bottle today without further delay.
$29.99 each

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5. Valpolicella Superiore 2016

An exclusive release from a celebrated producer this is a rare gem, a must have for your collection. Pick up a bottle of this wine today to experience a classy wine that has been crafted to perfection. Don't miss the opportunity to add this prestigious bottle to your collection, till stocks last.
$95 each
There’s history, tradition, class and fine taste in all these wines, with bottles waiting to be popped open and enjoyed on celebrations or whenever you’re in for a classy drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
    • Valpolicella wine is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, making the sipping experience all the more enjoyable. Cheese, stews, roast meats, grilled chicken, pasta, and chocolate desserts pair really well with this wine. This wine and these foods make the perfect pairing, on occasions large or small. 
    • In general, Valpolicella wine ages according to its type and quality level. Classico is best consumed within 1-3 years, whereas Amarone has a cellar life of 10-20 years or more. On the other hand, Ripasso should be consumed anywhere between 5-7 years, while Recioto lasts for 10-15 years.
    • Dan Murphy's is your best bet for buying Valpolicella wine in Australia, with over 270+ outlets nationwide and the best range available. You can also purchase online through their website and mobile app, with delivery options for your convenience.