VALPOLICELLA WINE AREA IN THE PROVINCE OF VERONA, ITALY

The Valpolicella Valley is the geographical area comprising three valleys crossed by the Negrar, Marano and Fumane streams, which flow down from the Lessini mountains, into the Adige river. The Valpolicella area defined as "classica" is the oldest wine making area, having fertile soil in a lush full landscape once described as "the garden of Verona". The original centre was extended over time and today the Valpolicella area encompasses the hills near Verona that run from Sant'Ambrogio alla Valpantena to the valley of Cazzano di Tramigna, an abundant and charming area where vines grow alongside cherries and olive groves.

Ernest Hemingway defined the wine from Valpolicella as "light, dry, red and sweet, just like the home of an agreeable brother".

In the 5th century B.C., there were several references to Valpollicella as the "Retia", and the wine produced from its soil "Rético". Rètico was a wine made from dried grapes, referenced for its quality in classical works of literature by Virgil, Martial, Pliny the Elder and Columella. It would appear that passito wines or "recioti" were also described by Cassiodorus, secretary to the Ostrogothic King Theodoric (fifth century) who described it as "Acinatico". The grapes used to make the wines come from the Rondinella, Molinara and Corvina veronese vine variety, in percentages ranging from 20 to 40% for the Rondinella, from 5 to 25% for the Molinara and from 40 to 70% for Corvina. Other grapes such as the Negrara, Barbera and a few others are added at times in a percentage from 5 to 15%.

Wines included in this D.O.C designation are: Valpolicella, Valpolicella classico, Valpolicella superiore, Valpolicella classico superiore, Valpolicella Valpantena, Valpolicella Valpantena superiore, Recioto della Valpolicella, Recioto della Valpolicella classico, Recioto della Valpolicella spumante, Recioto della Valpolicella Valpantena, Recioto della Valpolicella Valpantena spumante, Amarone della Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella classico, Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena and Amarone della Valpolicella riserva.

More recent modifications to the official guidelines state that the Valpolicella, Valpolicella classico, Valpolicella superiore, Valpolicella classico superiore, Valpolicella Valpantena and Valpolicella Valpantena superiore wines may be re-fermented from the skins left over from the preparation of Recioto wines from Valpolicella and/or Amarone della Valpolicella. These wines may use the addition designation of "ripasso".

Amarone has become very popular and is well appreciated around the globe, and is similar to Recioto. It is ruby red, tangy and dry, with bitter tones acquired after fermentation.

The Strada del Vino (Wine Road) proposes many itineraries through a number of towns, which are suitable for walking, riding bicycles or mountain-bikes. The Valpolicella spans captivating landscapes which, together with the vineyards, hid several enchanting and delightful attractions. Preserved in Valpolicella an unique history in monuments and buildings that can be fully appreciated even today, and that provide a perfect illustration of the passage of time in Romanic rural churches. Wonderful examples are the San Floriano and San Giorgio "Inganapoltron" churches, where recent excavations have uncovered the original structure of Roman temples.