Wine

Regions

Old World

Italy

NORTHEAST ITALY

Prodution Table

Northeast Italy

Freshness, crisp acidity and purity of varietal character personify the wines of the northeastern regions of Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the Veneto.

THIS IS A MORE MOUNTAINOUS AREA than the northwest (with the exception of Valle d'Aosta), with just over half the land occupied by the Dolomites and their precipitous foothills. Some of the finest wines are grown in the lush, verdant vineyards of the South Tyrol in the Alto Adige, just over the border from Austria. A great deal of wine is exported; the bulk of it unexciting Soave and Valpolicella. Locally there is much greater variety and value to be had - a number of French and German grapes are grown in addition to the local varieties and dedicated producers continue to experiment.

TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE

This is the most westerly and spectacular of the three regions, with more than 90 per cent of the area covered by mountainous countryside. It comprises two autonomous provinces, the Italian-speaking Trento in the south and the German-speaking Bolzano or South Tyrol in the north, where the wines may possess alternative German names and can carry a QbA designation.

The generic Alto Adige DOC (Sudtiroler QbA) is remarkably good and accounts for 30 per cent of the region's total DOC output There are also a number of fine wines produced in these cool, high vineyards.

THE VENETO

Stretching from the river Po to the Austrian border and sandwiched between Trentino-Alto Adige to the west and Friuli Venezia Giulia to the east, the majority of the Veneto's wines are grown on the alluvial plains in the south of the region. This is oneof the most exciting hunting grounds for Italian Bordeaux-type blends. Maculan of Breganze, in the western province of Vicenza, produces the best Cabernet based blends, although such is the rate of development in this style of wine chat several other producers may reach the same quality in the near future.

FRIULI-VENEZLA GIULIA

Situated in the northeastern corner of Italy, this largely mountainous region has grown many non Italian varieties since phylloxera wiped out its vineyards in the late-nineteenth century The naturally innovative Friulians (and South Tyrolians) used the opportunity to replant their vineyards with several better-quality foreign grapes, starting with the Merlot, which was brought to this region by Senator Pecile and Count Savorgnan in 1880. Over the last 100 years, the northeast has consistency demonstrated that the use of superior grape varieties and relatively lower yields can produce wines of dramatically improved quality

Friuli is the home of some of the country's best wines, including many of its most complex Cabernet blends. Girolamo Dorigo's "Montsclapade" which is the best of an exceptionally fine group of wines, is a typically Friulian blend of both Cabernets, Merlot and Malbec. The Malbec is a rare variety on this side of the Alps, but it fares well in Friuli and might well be the key to the complexity of these wines. A few rather unconventional blends are found the most unusual being Abbazia di Rosazzo's multi-national Ronco dei Roseti, which mixes the four Bordeaux varieties with the German Limberger, the Italian Refosco and the obscure Tazzelenghe.

Another Abbazia di Rosazzo wine, Ronco delle Acacie, is a rare masterpiece in the new Italian school of "super-deluxe" Vini da Tavola white wines. This category of dry white Italian wine is expensive but mostly disappointing.

The largest volume of fine wines comes from one of Friuli's two Colli or "hilly" areas, Colli Orientali del Friuli,, which is close to the Yugoslav border and encompasses many varietal wines. They are well worth looking out for - all except for the Picolit, a grossly overrated and horrendously overpriced sweet wine. This one is the only Picolit in Italy to have DOC status, but the wine is no better than other examples found throughout the country

Fine wines of Trentino-Alto Adige

ALTO ADIGE (SUDTIROLER) DOC

This generic appellation covers the entire Alto Adige or South Tyrol, which is in the northern province of Bolzano, It is remarkably consistent in terms of quality, considering that it represents some 3.0 per cent of the region's total production. With the exception of Alto Adige spumante, All the wines are pure varietals and must contain at least 95 per cent of the grape indicated ( as opposed to 85 per cent elsewhere in Italy). Alternative German names are given in brackets.

RED There are six varietals in this category Cabernet covers either Cabernet sauvignon or Cabernet franc, or both, and ranges from simple, but delightful, everyday wines to deeper-colored full bodied, richer wines that become warm, mellow and spicy after five to ten years.. Lagrein Dunkel (Lagrein Scuro) is made from an underrated' indigenous grape variety and can have a fine, distinctive character and good color. Malvasia or Malvasier is produced here as a red wine, but it would he better made into white or rose. Merlot can he simply light and fruity or attain greater heights, with a good spicy, sweet-pepper aroma and fine, silky texture. Pinot Nero (Blauburgunder) is a most difficult varietal to perfect, but those from Mazzon are good and a speciality of this region (they will have Mazzoner on the label). Schiava (Vernatschs) accounts for one in five bottles produced under this appellation and is the most popular tavern wine.

Best: 1983, 1985, 1986 Between 2 10 years

WHITE There are no less than ten different varietals in this category Chardonnay can range from light and neutral to delicately fruity and even frizzantino or verging upon spumante The fuller versions can have recognizable varietal characteristics but still lack the weight and intensity of flavor of even basic Burgundy Moscato Giallo (Goldenmuskateller) is made into delicious dessert wines Pinot bianco (Weissburgunder) is the most widely planted of all the white grape varieties and produces most of Alto Adige's finest white wines. Pinot grigio (Rulander) is potentially as successful as Pinot bianco, but does not always occupy the best sites. Riesling Italico (Welschriesling) is insignificant in both quantity and quality. Riesling Renano (Rheinriesling) is fine, delicate and attractive at the lowest level, but can be extraordinarily good in exceptional vintages. Riesling x Sivaner (Muller Thurgau) is relatively rare - a pity because planted here it achieves a lively spiciness Sauvignon was very scarce in the early 1980s, hut as the vogue for this grape spread so its cultivation increased and sufficient success has been achieved to earmark the crisp, dry and varietally pure Alto

Adige Sauvignon as the wine of the 1990s. Silvaner is made mostly to be drunk young and fresh. Traminer aromatico (Gewurztraminer) is more restrained than the classic Alsace version, but its delicate aroma and understated flavor our has a charm of its own.
Best: 1983. 1984, 1986 within I - 5 years

Rose Only three varietal rosato wines are allowed. Lagrein Rosato (Lagrein Kretzer) is overtly fruity in a very round and smooth style. Pinot Nero or (Blauburgunder) is more successful as a rose than as a red. Moscato rosa (Rosenmuskateller) makes very flamboyant, semi-sweet to sweet wines with an unusually high natural acidity, intense floral perfume and an exaggerated Muscat flavor

Best: 1982, 1983. 1985. 1986 Within I- 3 years

SPARKLING WHITE Pure or blended Pinot bianco, Pinot grigio, Pinot nero and Chardonnay fumed into spumante. by either cuve close or methode champenoise.

Best: Mostly non-vintage Within 2-5 years

* Bellendorf, Josef Hofstatter, Kettmeir, Alois Lageder, Schloss Sallegg, Tefernbrunner

TERLANO (TERLANER) DOC

Soft, dry, blended white wines and Five varietals from five communes near Bolzano. The quality and character is very similar to the Alto Adige DOC. See that entry for best recent vintages and when to drink.

* Alois Lageder, Cantina Sociale Terlano

TRENTINO DOC

Although many Trentino wines are softer and Iess racy than those from Alto Adige, their general character is similar. In addition to all the varietals that quality for Alto Adige, this appellation also includes Nosiola, a grape variety used for both the disappointing, sweet vin santo and dull dry wine with a typically bitter aftertaste. Cabernet franc and Cabernet sauvignon are used in pure varietals as well as blends. A local variety, Marzemino, produces a pleasant, medium-bodied wine, with a fruit-and-bitter , almond flavor. See Alto Adige for best recent vintages and when to drink.

* Barone de Cles, Riccardo Battitotti, Guerrieri Gonzaga, Conti Bossi Fedrigotti, Conti Martini, Pojer & Sandri, De Tarczal, Armando Simoncelli, Zeni

VALLE ISARCO (EISACKTALER) DOC

The varietal whites made from Gewurztraminer, Pinot grigio, Silvaner and Muller-Thurgau are similar to those of the Alto Adige. Another variety, Veltliner, produces a mild, dean, fruity, dry wine for quaffing . See Asto Adige for best recent years and when to drink.

* Alois Lageder, Klosterkellerei Eisacktaler, Stiftskellerei Neustift

The best Cabernet-based wines of Trentino-Alto Adige

These wines are not quite as successful as similar blends in the neighboring Veneto and Friuli regions, but some improve with each new vintage. The finest Bordeaux-style wines of Trentino may improve for ten years or more.

CASTEL SAN MICHELE,

Istituto Agrario Provincale San Michele all Adige Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot

FOIANEGHE , Conti Bossi Fedrigotti Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon

MASO LODRON, Letrari Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot

MORI VECIO, Lagariavini Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon Merlot

SAN LEONARDO,
Guerrieri Gonzaga Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot

SAN ZENO,

La Vinicola Sociale Aldeno Merlot, Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

The best dry sparkling wines of Trentino-Alto Adige

EQUIPE 5 BRUT RISERVA EQUIPE 5 BRUT ROSE FERRARI BRUT
FERRARI BRUT DE BRUT FERRARI BRUT ROSE
FERRARI NATURE
FERRARI RISERVA GIULIO FERRARI

These wines are all made by the methode champenoise. They are all VT and not necessarily made from grapes grown within the region.

Other wines of Trentino-Alto Adige

CALDARO or LAGO DI CALDARO (KALTERERSEE) DOC
Soft, fruity, red wines that are easy to drink

CASTELLER DOC
Dry or semi-sweet, red and rose wines for everyday drinking.

COLLI Dl BOLZANO

(BOZNER LEITEN) DOC
Soft, fruity, red wines that are best drunk very young.

DE VTTE* VT Josef Hofstatter Dry white wine with a fragrant flavor.

KOLBENHOFER* VT

Josef Hofstatter A more serious version of Caldaro from a vineyard above Tramin

MERANESE DI COLLINA

(MERANER HUGEL) DOC

Light, delicately scented red wines from Merano, northwest of Bolzano.

SANTA MADDALENA (SANKT MAGDALENER*) DOC

Drinkable, full bodied, smooth, vinous red wines from an appellation that was undeservedly ranked by Mussolini as one of Italy's greatest.

SORNI* DOC

This steadily improving appellation makes soft red wines and light, fresh, delicate whites.

TEROLDEGO ROTALIANO* DOC

Full bodied red wines made from the Teroldego grape. There is also a fuller, more concentrated Superiore version and an attractive rose.

VALDADIGE (ETSCHTALER) DOC

Fine wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

COLLI GORIZIANO or COLLIO DOC

A large range of predominantly white wines from a hilly area close to the Yugoslav border.

RED These three varietals can reach very high standards.
Merlot, Cabernet franc, Pinot nero

Best: 1982,1983,1985,1986 Within 1 -4 years

WHITE In addition to a blended, dry white wine that can be slightly frizzantino, there are eight dry white varietals.

Riesling, Italico, Tocai Friulano,, Malvasia, Pinot bianco, Pinot grigio, Ribollla, Sauvignon, Traminer

Best: 1983,1986 Within 1 3 years

* Borgo Conventi, Livio Felluga, Marco Felluga, Conti Formentini, Gradmir Gradnik, Jermann, Doro Pricnic,

Radikon, Russiz Superiore, Mario Schiopetto

COLLI ORIENTALI DEL FRIULI DOC

A larger, more prestigious area than its neighbor Colli Goriziano.

RED With the exception of the Pinot nero, red varietals are more successful here than they are in Colli Goriziano.

Merlot, Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Pinot nero, Refosco

Best: 1982.1983.1985.1986 Between 3-8 years

WHITE AU these wines are pure varietals made in a dry style with the exception of Verduzzo, which is an interesting, full flavored wine that may be dry or semi sweet, and the famous, but overrated and overpriced, Picolit . (This is the only Picolit in Italy to have its own DOC)

Picolit, Pinot bianco, Pinot grigio, Ribolla, Riesling, Renano, Sauvignon, Tocai Friulano, VerduzzoSauvignon, Tocai Friulano, Verduzzo
Best: 1983,1986 Within 1- 3 years

* Abbazia di Rosazzo, Girolamo Dorigo, Giovanni Dri, Livio Felluga, Valle, Volpe Pasini

PICOLIT DOC See Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC.

RONCO DELLE ACACIE VT

Abbazia di Rosazzo This brilliant baroque aged blend is 100 per cent Italian in style.

WHITE An aromatic bouquet combined with mouth watering fruit flavors, finesse and beautifully understated new oak on the finish.

Pinot bianco, Ribolla, Malvasia a Tocai Friulano
Best: 1984,1985,1986 Between 3-7 years

SCHIOPPETTINO VT

An ancient Friulian variety, Schioppettino was nearly extinct until these wines suddenly became fashionable in the 1980s.

RED Very ripe and round wines with a fine, spicy scented bouquet and rich fruit flavor that only attains great finesse with maturity

Schioppettino
Best: 1982,1983,1985,1986 Between 5- 15 years

* Ronchi di Cialla Ronco del Gmeniz Giuseppe Toti

VINTAGE TUNINA VT Jermann

One of Italy's greatest "super deluxe" white wines. Whilst others in this style are disappointing and expensive, this wine justifies its price.

WHITE This wine has an aroma and flavor that is akin to a fine Alsatian Pinot Blanc and there is also the hint of a white Burgundy but it also has a slightly bitter sweet finish that is distinctly Italian.

Chardonnay Pinot bianco, Sauvignon blanc, Picolit

Best: 1982,1983,1985,1986 Between 5-10 years

The best Cabernet-based wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

DRAGARSKA VT, Drufovka
Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot

MONTSCLAPADE VT, Girolamo
Dorigo Cabernet franc. Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec

RONCO DEL GMENIZ (COLLI ORENTALI DOC)
Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon,Merlot, Malbec

RONCO DEI ROSETI VT, Abbazia di Rosazzo

Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Limberger, Refosco, Tazzelenghe

Other wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

AQUILEA* DOC

A wide-ranging appellation of four varietal red wines and one blended one (Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco del Peduncolo Rosso); seven white varietals (Tocai Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling Renano, Sauvignon, Traminer Verduzzo, Friulano); and a rose that may be at least 70 per cent Merlot. All are generally light, crisply balanced wines, although some producers excel in better years.

CARSO* DOC

Basic Carso must be made from at least 70 per cent Terrano, which is the Mondeuse of France, while Terrano di Carso must be from a minimum of 85 per cent; both are deep, full, red wines. Malvasia del Carso is a rich and spicy, dry white wine.

FRANCONIA (BLAUFRANKISCH) VT

This is made from the Limberger of Germany in a fuller, darker style than is possible in its homeland, yet it still possesses the same light, fruity flavor.

GRAVE DEL FRIULI* DOC

This large appellation spreads out either side of the river Tagliamento between Sacile in the west and Cividale di Friuli in the east. It accounts for more than half of Friuli's total production. It is a large and complicated, multi varietal DOC and although the overall quality of its wines does not allow it a place in the "fine" wine section, several wine. makers regularly produce fine win=. There are six red varietals (Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco, Pinot Nero); eight white varietals (Chardonnay, Tocai Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Verduzzo, Riesling Renano, Sauvignon, Traminer Aromatico) and a Cabernet franc-dominated rosato blend.

ISONZO* DOC

A small area south of Colli Goriziano, but not quite in the same class. The two red varietals (Merlot, Cabernet are most successful and, of the eight white Varietals, the Sauvignon is the most promising.

LATISANA DOC

An area that stretches from the central section of the Grave del Friuli to the Adriatic coast at Lignano Sabbiadoro. The red varietals are Merlot, Cabernet and Refosco and the white are Tocai Friulano), Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo Friulano.

LISON-PRAMAGGIORE DOC

This DOC of Venato overlaps part of Friuli. See Fine wines of the Veneto.

TACELENGHE or TAZZELENGHE VT

This red wine's name is the local dialect for tazzalingua which means a sharpness on the tongue, and is indicative of the wine's tannic nature. However, it does soften after five or skit years in bottle.

TERRANO DEL CARSO VT See Carso DOC.

Fine wines of the Veneto

LISON-PRAMAGGIORE DOC

This new DOC, in the very cast of the Veneto, has combined the three DOCs of Cabernet di Pramaggiore, Merlot di Pramaggiore and Tocai di Lison into one and expanded the appellation.

RED The Cabernet is a fine, chocolatey blend that can attain significant finesse after five or six years in bottle; the prolific Merlot is more e serious in Pramaggiere than in any other area of the Veneto, especially when given structure by the addition of 10 per cent Cabernet

Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot grigio, Refosco del Peduncolo Rosso

Best: 1983,1985,1986 Between 3 -4 years

WHITE Tocai Italico, as the Tocai di Lison is now called, is a pleasant, refreshingly dry fruity, white wine with a light richness. The new varietals have yet to establish a reputation.

Pinot bianco, Riesling Italico Sauvignon, Tocai Itailco and Verduzzo
Best: 1983,198S,1986 Within 1-3 years

PRATO Dl CANZIO (BREGANZE DOC) Maculan

One wine stands out in the Breganze DOC as exceptional by any standards

WHITE This wine has a rich, tangy flavor, some spice, an excellent balance of fruit and acidity and a hint of sweet oak on the nose and aftertaste. Tocai, Pinot bianco, Riesling
Best: 1985,1986 Within 2-5 years
RECIOTO DI SOAVE DEI CAPITELLI (RECIOTO DI SOAVE DOC) Anselmi
This wine is a revelation. It has a gloriously golden color, a luxuriant bouquet suggestive of honey, flowers, nuts and molasses; a fabulously rich, sweet and complex flavor of honeyed spicy fruit and a fine, smoky-creamy oak finish. l recommend any Vintage. The wines should be drunk between 3- 10 years.

SOAVE DOC

Most examples of this over-produced wine are thin and acidic , but there are a few enjoyable wines from the central, hilly, classico area Minimum of 70% Garganega, and a maximum of 30% Trebbiano

Best: 1981,1982,1983,1985 Within l -4 years

* Bolla's Vignetti di Frosca, Masi's "sol Baraca", Pieropan's "La Rocc", Santi's "Monteforte", Anselmi's "Capitel Foscarino" and "Monteforte"
SOAVE CLASSICO CAPITEIFOSCARINO (SOAVE CLASSICO DOC) Anselmi
If this wine is indicative of how classic Save once tasted, then there a little wonder that it achieved such widespread fame. Its rich, crisp fruit can only be obtained from moderate yields of perfectly ripe, healthy grapes. Roberto Anselmi cuts off whole bunches of grapes during the summer to limit the potential harvest I recommend any vintage. The wine should be drunk between two and four years.
SOAVE CLASSICO MONTEFORTE (SOAVE CLASSICO DOC) Anselmi
This Soave is full of the vanilla aroma of new oak and, although I would not like to see all Soave made in this style, such expressive an d innovative wine making is only to be encouraged. I recommend any vintage. The wine should be drunk between two and four years.

TORCOLATO VT

Maculan Torcolato is made from passito grapes and is very rich and succulently sweet at the same time. This version is the most elegant passito wine I have encountered. Tocai, Vespaiolo
Best: 1980, 1982, 1983 Between 5-10 years

"VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO VT

This style of wine has long been traditional in the Veneto. The best young Valpolicella is pumped into tanks or barrels previously used for recioto that still contain its lees. When mixed with the young wine, active yeast cells remaining in this sediment precipitate a second fermentation. This increases the alcohol content of the wine and gives it some of the recioto character. Once the wines have gone through this process, they cannot bear the Valpolicella appellation and are thus sold as Vino da Tavola under various brand names.

1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986

Between 6-15 years

Allegrini's La Grola, Boscaini's "Le Cane", Fratelli Di Tedeschi's "Capitel San Rocco" Masi's "Campo Fiorin" Bertani's "Catullo"

The best Cabernet-based wines of the Veneto

BRENTINO (BREGANZE DOC) Maculan
Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon,Merlot

CAPO DEL MONTE VT, Fattoria di Ogliano
Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon Marzemino

CASTELLO DI RONCADE VT Barone Ciani Bassetti
Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit verdot

LA RIVE ROSE (COLLI BERICI DOC), Villa dal Ferro Lazzarini
Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon

VENEGAZZU DELLA CASA VT, Conte Loredan - Gasparini
Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec

VIGNETO FRATTA (BREGANZE DOC), Maculan
Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc

Other wines of the Veneto

BARDOLINO* DOC

Dry, sometimes frizzante, light reds and rose (chiaretto) wines that can be interesting.

BIANCO DI CUSTOZA* DOC

Scented, dry white wines with a smooth aftertaste and sparkling white wines from various grapes grown on the shores of Lake Garda

BIANCO TOARA VT

Dry, scented white wines made around the visage of Toara in the CoDi Berici district.

BREGANZE* DOC

Vinous, slightly tannic, blended red wines and dry, fresh white wine blends. There are two red varietals (Cabernet, Pinot Nero) and three white ones (Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Vespaiolo).

CAPITEL SAN ROCCO* VT Fratelli Tedeschi

A red wine that is Tedeschi's equivalent of Masi's "Campo Fiorin"
(see "Valpolicella " ripasso and a more interesting white - a dry, aromatic and characterful version of Soave.

COLLI BERICI DOC

Three red varietals (Merlot, Tocai Rosso, Cabernet) and four white (Garganega, Tocai Bianco, Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco), produced in an area immediately south of Vicenza . The Cabernet can be rich and grassy with chunky-chocolatey fruit, the red Tocai is unusual and interesting but the others are unexciting.

COLLI EUGANEI DOC

Bordering Colli Berici to the southeast, this area produces soft, full bodied, dry or semi-sweet red wine blends and Cabernet and Merlot varietals. There are four white varietals and smooth, dry or semisweet white blends. The basic blended rosso is the most consistent wine.

GAMBELLARA DOC

Scented, dry or sometimes semisweet, white wines and fruity, semisweet, still, semi sparkling or sparkling white recioto There is also a sweet, smooth vin santo.

LESSINI DURELLO DOC

This is a new appellation for dry white wine from the Durello grape grown between Verona and Vicenza

MASLANCO VT Masi

Dry and fruity white wine made from Garganega, Trebbiano and Durello grapes.

MONTELLO E COLLI ASOLANI DOC

Red varietals (Merlot, Cabernet ) and white varietals including Prosecco.

PIAVE or VINI DEL PIAVE* DOC

A large area to the west of Lison Pramaggiore producing four red varietals (Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Nero, Raboso) and four white varietals (Tocai, Verduzzo, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio). The Cabernet and Raboso can be ready quite good

PROSECCO DI CONEGLlANO-VALDOBBIADENE DOC

Dry and semi-sweet, fizzy, white wines that have large bubbles and a coarse, dull flavor. A still version is also produced.

RABOSO* DOC

The indigenous Raboso grape has long produced excellent value Vino da Tavola red wines that are full of sunny fruit and capable of improving after two to three years in bottle, but it has only recently acquired DOC status.

RECIOTO BIANCO DI CAMPOCIESA* VT

Soft, sweet, well scented, golden colored white wines made from
passito grapes.

RECIOTO DI SOAVE DOC

Naturally sweet, liquoroso or spumante Soave made from passito grapes. The one outstanding wine is made by Anselmi. See Recioto di Soave dei Capitelli .

RECIOTO DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOC

These wines, which are made from passito grapes, have a very deep color and a powerful Port like flavor. Dry amarone and spumante styles are also produced.

VALPANTENA DOC
Single-village Valpolicella or Recioto della Valpolicella

VALPOLICELLA DOC

The American wine writer Robert Parker describes most Valpolicella as "insipid industrial garbage 'and I would agree with him. Exceptions are made by Quintarelli, Alighieri and also include Bolls's Vigneti di Jago Valpolicella at its best is full of juicy, cherry-fruit flavors.