Welcome to Valpolicella

Some key facts – good to know

Valpolicella wine region has an extension of 25 km. from West to East and 12 km. from North to South. Vineyards included in the DOC production area counts for about 8,000 hectares (19,770 acres).
The city of Verona stays in the Southern middle of a complex system of valleys that flow from North (Monti Lessini) to South. The Adige river limits Valpolicella in its western and southern sides. Nearby Lake Garda is just 15 km to the west.

Valpolicella is a land steeped in culture as well as having a long tradition of food and wine. The area lies south of the eastern pre-Alps, north of the Adige river, east of the Valdadige Valley and west of the city of Verona. 

3 main areas:

• Valpolicella Classica
  In this area, wines are generally distinguished by a greater warmth and austerity of character.

• Valpantena
  Wines are generally distinguished by a greater freshness and elegance, but also great longevity.

• Eastern Valpolicella
  Wines are generally distinguished by a dynamic and fruity style, with some herbaceous hints.

4 different appellations: 

• Valpolicella DOC

• Valpolicella Ripasso DOCG

• Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

• Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG

Some specifications you may find on the labels:

• "Valpolicella Classico": wine coming from the "classical" (= historical area of production) area of Valpolicella

• "Superiore": from selected grapes, it’s a wine aged minimum 1 year (considered from Jan. 1st after the harvest). It also can specify on the label the Cru of origin, usually with the "Vigna" word followed by the name of the place.

• "Valpantena": a valley part of the Valpolicella DOC

Territories and valleys (West to East):

• Valpolicella Classica: Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Fumane, San Pietro in Cariano, Marano, Negrar

• Valpolicella: Quinzano and Avesa

• Valpantena: Grezzana

• Eastern Valpolicella (also named simply Valpolicella Doc): Squaranto, Marcellise, Mezzane, San Briccio di Lavagno, Illasi, Cazzano di Tramigna

The grapes: 

The traditional blend of Valpolicella wine is made by these three indigenous grapes:

• Corvina it's ruled that could be between 45% to 95% of a vineyard

• Rondinella could be between 5% to 30% of a vineyard

• Molinara it was compulsory to use it till modifications to the rules adopted in 2003. Now it's an optional grape (see below).

In the last 20 years, winegrowers have introduced also:

• Corvinone: it could substitute Corvina in a vineyard till the amount of 90%.

Rules of Valpolicella permit to use other grapes, till a contribution of 25%, splitted in this way:

• red, not aromatic grapes, to a maximum of 15% (max. 10% for each variety)

• other Italian indigenous grapes, to a maximum of 10%

Among the "others", you may find:

• Oseleta, Dindarella, Corbina, Spigamonte, Turchetta

• Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Teroldego.

Staying in Verona downtown

Our recommended wine & food places to visit and try: