Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella

45° 33' 00" N

LATITUDE

10° 56' 00" E

LONGITUDE

2

APPELATIONS

about this subregion

A revered emblem of winemaking mastery, Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG graces the enchanting landscapes of northern Italy's Veneto region. This distinguished appellation orchestrates the creation of profoundly intricate and sweet wines, a symphony of flavors that echoes the deep-rooted dedication and legacy of generations past.

Found at the heart of Recioto della Valpolicella is the time-honored ritual of appassimento. This ancient method commences with the selection of the finest grapes—primarily Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella—that are then patiently dried within well-ventilated lofts or the classic drying racks. Months pass, and as the grapes shrivel, they intensify their sugars and flavors, transforming into raisin-like gems that lie at the core of the wine's opulent essence.

The crafting of Recioto della Valpolicella embodies the interplay between nature's whims and masterful artistry. When the desiccated grapes attain their pinnacle, they undergo gentle pressing to extract their densely concentrated nectar. Fermentation unfolds, often halting midway to conserve a portion of the grapes' natural sugars, yielding the wine's hallmark sumptuous sweetness.

Recioto della Valpolicella encapsulates tradition's essence, encapsulating the ageless ties between land, community, and cultural heritage. It is not merely wine, but a testament to the region's spirit—an embodiment of sun-drenched vineyards, caring hands tending each cluster, and artisans choreographing its transformation into a liquid sonnet.

Associations

8586

Vineyard Hectares

0

WINERIES

1400-1600

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

Embraced within the alluring Veneto region of northern Italy, the Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG vineyards are a tapestry of natural beauty and human dedication. This captivating terroir unfolds as a testament to the region's profound connection to the land.

As you traverse the Recioto landscape, the varied altitudes above sea level bring a symphony of microclimates to the vineyards. This rich topography introduces nuances that craft the grapes' personality, enriching their essence with the magic of the surrounding environment.

The Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG terroir beckons with a blend of nature's beauty and human craftsmanship, an invitation to explore a place where tradition dances with the elements.

The unwavering commitment to quality and the cherished traditions of the Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG are upheld by the esteemed Consorzio Valpolicella. This consortium stands as a beacon of excellence, ensuring that every bottle emerging from the region carries with it the true soul and rich heritage of the Valpolicella. Through their diligent oversight and passion, the Consorzio Valpolicella champions the harmonious blend of nature and artistry that defines this iconic wine region.

The climate of the Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG region is characterized by a harmonious interplay of influences, contributing to the creation of the appellation's distinctive wines. Situated in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the climate here is largely Mediterranean, with subtle variations influenced by the surrounding geography.

The warm summers, tempered by the cooling effect of the nearby Lake Garda, create an ideal environment for grape cultivation. This combination of warmth and moderated temperatures allows for the gradual ripening of the grapes, fostering the development of rich flavors and balanced acidity.

The autumn months usher in a vital phase of grape maturation, with significant diurnal temperature variations. These fluctuations, with warm days and cooler nights, help to preserve the grapes' aromatic compounds and enhance their complexity. This climatic pattern is particularly favorable for the appassimento process, where grapes are dried to concentrate flavors and sugars, an essential step in producing Recioto wines.

Additionally, the surrounding hills and valleys play a role in the region's microclimates. Elevation variations across the landscape introduce subtle shifts in temperature and sunlight exposure, allowing different nuances to emerge within the grapes grown at various altitudes.

The Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG region showcases a tapestry of soils that contribute to the complexity and diversity of its wines. As you explore this enchanting Italian terroir, you'll encounter a range of soil types that play a crucial role in shaping the character of the grapes and the resulting wines.

  1. Marl and Limestone: In the hills of Valpolicella, marl and limestone soils are prevalent. These soils are rich in minerals and nutrients, providing a solid foundation for the vines. The marl-limestone combination contributes to excellent drainage, which encourages deep root growth and imparts a vibrant minerality to the grapes.
  2. Clay: Clay soils are also found in certain areas of the region. These soils retain water well and offer a consistent source of moisture to the vines, particularly during dry periods. Grapes grown in clay soils tend to exhibit deep flavors and a balanced structure.
  3. Alluvial Deposits: Near the riverbeds and valleys, you'll encounter alluvial deposits. These soils are a mixture of sand, silt, and gravel brought by rivers over time. They offer good drainage and can provide an array of minerals to the vines, contributing to the wines' complexity.
  4. Volcanic Soil: Some parts of the region feature volcanic soils, particularly in the vicinity of Monte Baldo. These soils are rich in volcanic ash and minerals, imparting unique characteristics to the wines. Volcanic soils often contribute to wines with pronounced aromatic profiles and distinctive flavors.
  5. Red Soils (Terrarossa): Terrarossa, or "red earth," is a type of soil rich in iron content, lending a reddish hue to the earth. This type of soil is associated with the higher elevations of the region and can contribute to wines with intense aromatics and well-structured tannins.

The diverse array of soils in the Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG region is a reflection of the complex geological history that has shaped the land. The interaction between these soils, the climate, and the grapes contributes to the intricate and layered profiles of the region's wines, making each bottle a unique expression of its terroir.

Discover

In the Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG's wines, the stars are the red grapes Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. Each grape brings its unique aromas and tasting notes, weaving a tapestry of complexity that defines this renowned appellation.

Corvina: The heartbeat of Recioto della Valpolicella, Corvina boasts a distinguished aromatic profile. Its bouquet is resplendent with red cherry and wild berry notes, evoking a sense of freshness and vitality. On the palate, Corvina exhibits a delicate balance of acidity and smoothness, with flavors that mirror its aromas, often accompanied by subtle hints of spice. This grape's contribution adds elegance and structure to the wines, contributing to their enduring allure.

Corvinone: A close relative of Corvina, Corvinone amplifies the wines' aromatic richness. It introduces a deeper complexity with its aromatic medley of dark berries, black cherry, and a touch of plum. Corvinone's influence adds a velvety texture to the palate, complemented by refined tannins and a touch of earthiness. This grape elevates the wines, bestowing a distinctive layer of opulence and depth.

Rondinella: Rondinella lends a captivating aromatic dimension to the wines of Recioto della Valpolicella. Its fragrance showcases vibrant red fruit, enlivened by a subtle floral nuance reminiscent of violets. On the palate, Rondinella imparts a soft and supple character, accompanied by gentle tannins. This grape's presence contributes to the wines' approachability and harmonious structure.

The DOCG Recioto della Valpolicella, located in the breathtaking landscapes of northeastern Italy, has two wines as particular as they are expressive of the terroir of this region. We are talking about the Spumante and Recioto wines, two clear examples of the level of mastery in winemaking achieved in this region. When tasting either of these wines, you will find a great diversity of floral aromas and fruity flavors that will invade your nose and palate, inviting you for another sip.

Spumante: Crafted with Corvina and/or Corvinone, complemented by Rondinella and a touch of other authorized red grapes, Recioto della Valpolicella's Spumante sparkles with vivacity. It unfolds a vibrant tapestry of red fruit—cherries and berries—intertwined with Rondinella's floral notes. Other red grapes add complexity, resulting in a playful, effervescent dance that enchants the palate.

Recioto: Embracing the same key grape varieties, Recioto della Valpolicella's Recioto embodies opulence. Corvina and Corvinone weave ripe red and dark fruit flavors, while Rondinella imparts velvety texture and delicate florals. Other red grapes contribute layers of intrigue. The result is a symphony of sweetness, where rich fruit notes and natural acidity harmonize in every sip.

In Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG, the Spumante and Recioto exemplify the region's diversity and winemaking prowess. With their meticulously balanced blends, they capture the essence of this Italian wine haven.

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