A Journey to Valpolicella Vineyards: Discovering Allegrini
My trip to Valpolicella: a well-known wine region closest to the romantic Verona, in Veneto region, and Allegrini is one of the prominent wineries that produce wines from this region.
Recently, I had the opportunity to embark on a voyage of discovery through Valpolicella’s vineyards, where I not only tasted the wines but also met the very essence of the land – the terroir.
The Prelude: A Scenic Drive to Valpolicella
As I drove through the picturesque countryside, the anticipation of what lay ahead filled me with excitement. Valpolicella, with its gentle slopes and terraced vineyards, is a visual masterpiece. The region’s unique microclimate and geological composition make it a terroir like no other, mild temperatures thanks to the close to lake Garda, around by Dolomites Mountains creates a perfect scenario and for the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties.
One of the sincerest about the Allegrini production is in fact behind its terroir. Allegrini is a respected producer in the Valpolicella region, their vineyards extends for 150 hectares, and is known for producing high-quality wines that showcase the terroir and the unique characteristics of the grapes.
The Soils That Speak
Valpolicella is known for its diverse soils, and my next stop allowed me to explore this aspect further. I stood on a vineyard plot with mineral-rich limestone soil, and then another with clay and volcanic deposits. Elisa explained how these distinct soil compositions contribute unique flavors and textures to the wines. It was a true revelation, experiencing the terroir beneath my feet.
Terre di Fumane Appassimento Center
After visiting the hills of Valpolicella to learn about their terroir, we went to the appassimento center where the Amarone is made.
Of course, it was empty during the summer, but everything was ready to receive the grapes that will be sold from September to October. This is when the appassimento process begins, with the grapes placed in baskets at a controlled temperature from harvest until January.
The appassimento method is a traditional winemaking technique in the production of Amarone della Valpolicella and Recioto della Valpolicella wines. This process involves drying grapes, typically Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara varieties, for an extended period before fermentation. The result is wines with concentrated flavors, higher alcohol content, and a rich, full-bodied profile.
The appassimento method is labor-intensive and requires meticulous attention to detail, but it results in wines with a unique and complex character. Amarone della Valpolicella Allegrini, in particular, is celebrated for its deep, rich flavors of dried fruits, dark berries, and a hint of spice, sought-after red wines.
During this tour, we had the opportunity to taste some of their notable Valpolicella wines:
Allegrini Valpolicella Classico 2022
Corvina Veronese e Rondinella 30% grasse
Ruby – red colors that reflect light to medium-bodied with red fruit flavors, good acidity, and a hint of spice. It’s a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, and grilled meats.
Allegrini La Grolla Veronese 2019
Grapes: Corvina Veronese & Oseleta
This is a step up from the Valpolicella Classico. It is often made with grapes from selected vineyards and may have more complexity and depth. After fermentation in stainless steel with periodic daily pumping over, the wine matures in second-passage French oak barrels for 16 months and for 2 months in large Slavonian barrels, then ages in the bottle for 10 months
You can expect richer fruit flavors and a bit more structure, like scents of tobacco and coffee.
Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella 2019
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella 5% Oseleta 5%
The Amarone della Valpolicella Allegrini is a prestigious and unique style of wine produced in the cellar. It is made using partially dried grapes, (from appassimento method) resulting in a wine that is rich, full-bodied, and often higher in alcohol.
Allegrini’s Amarone is highly regarded and known for its depth, complexity, and aging potential. It pairs well with hearty, flavorful dishes.
When enjoying Valpolicella wines from Allegrini or any other producer, it’s essential to consider the specific wine’s characteristics, such as its vintage and style, to determine the best food pairings and serving recommendations. Valpolicella wines are generally versatile and can complement a wide range of Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
If you wish to reserve a personalized visit, please do not hesitate to contact us.
