Italy — wine

Valpolicella Classico Wine Region

Valpolicella Classico occupies the original hillside zone northwest of Verona — the Fumane, Marano, and Sant'Ambrogio valleys on limestone and clay hillsides at 100–600m. It produces three distinct wine styles: Valpolicella Classico (fresh Corvina-based red), Ripasso (partly refermented on Amarone pomace for richness), and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG — Italy's most powerful and complex dry red from dried Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. The Classico zone produces wines superior to the broader production area.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Verona hillside conditions were reliable; Corvina dried well for Amarone with characteristic concentration and structure.
2022 Outstanding northeastern Italian vintage; Classico zone Corvina achieved ideal sugar concentration for Amarone of exceptional balance.
2021 Reliable year; the hillside Classico sites delivered characteristic Ripasso of good structure and cherry concentration.
2020 Fine Valpolicella vintage; the appassimento of 2020 Corvina produced Amarone of remarkable dried-cherry depth and balance.
2019 Landmark Amarone vintage; Allegrini and Quintarelli's estates produced wines of legendary concentration and 30+ year ageing potential.