Recioto della Valpolicella

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The production zone extends from Lake Garda almost to the border with the province of Vicenza, sheltered to the north by the Lessini mountain range and benefiting from the proximity of Lake Garda.
• Average annual rainfall does not exceed normal levels except in winter, and oscillates between 850 and 1,000 mm.
• The soils of Valpolicella derive both from the weathering of calcareous-dolomitic formations and basalts, and from glacial moraine and fluvial deposits of volcanic origin, resulting in considerable variability in water supply to the vine.
• The vineyards can reach up to 500 metres above sea level and, on the lower and middle hillsides and in the valley floor, are predominantly south-facing.
• The lower and middle hillsides do not exceed 300 metres above sea level and are characterised by sandy-gravelly and clayey soils, while the upper ridges present calcareous soils and the higher slopes marly limestones of the Biancone and Scaglia types.
• The Classico subzone and the Valpantena subzone, the latter situated to the north-west of the delimited area, identify specific areas within the appellation. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

• The name derives from the dialect term 'recia', meaning ear, because only the uppermost and best-exposed portion of the cluster could undergo the appassimento process.
• The Statutes of Alberto I della Scala, known as the Albertini, dating back to 1276, regulated the retail sale and transport of grapes and wine within the city.
• The first ampelographic catalogue of the nineteenth century officially recognised Corvina as the typical cultivar of Valpolicella.

• The wine presents an intense ruby red colour, deep and at times impenetrable, with a pronounced bouquet of dried fruit and cherries in spirit.
• The palate continues harmoniously with a sustained tone, good total acidity, and is particularly well suited to accompany desserts and blue-veined cheeses.

• The mild and not excessively rainy climate, warmer during the summer and autumn season, ensures a fairly regular ripening of the blend, lending wines from the valley floor a moderate alcohol level and floral notes.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-IT-A0441
• Official trade body site — Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella