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Valpolicella Classico is a wine made from the Valpolicella DOC in Veneto, Italy. Grapes for this wine are grown only within the Classico viticultural zone. Valpolicella is one of Italy's most well-known red wine names. Just over a third of Valpolicella comes from its Classico zone - the original Valpolicella growing area before 1968 when it was given DOC status and a dramatically expanded catchment area. Let's dive more into this amazing wine region and discover its secrets.

Valpolicella Classico

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Where is Valpolicella Classico?

Valpolicella Classico is a type of wine that comes from Veneto-Italy, specifically from grapes grown in the Valpolicella DOC of Classico. The vineyards in the Valpolicella area are northeast of Verona, in the Veneto, and are spread out throughout three small valleys that border the Lessini Mountain range. These areas include Fumane, Marano, and Negrare. Valpolicella wines are made of grapes grown in different villages. The "Classico" denomination signifies where the very first Valpolicella vineyards were planted, and their signature grapes.

History of Valpolicella Classico

Valpolicella is in the centre of Italy and it has a history that stretches back around one thousand years. In 1148, for example, a document referred to the region as "a valley of vines had once been called Elegina."Valpolicella's economy has long been heavily focused on wine production. The name is likely related to one of two theories involving the Latin term "vallis pulicellae" meaning valley of small fleas, or Val da piece, which means “valley of skin”.

The Valpolicella wine region was originally a part of the Venetian Republic. The area experienced an influx in winery activity during the 16th century when the Papal States imposed a ban on wine production. . As an alternative to vineyards, a new form of winemaking called "basso limite" was introduced where wine would be fortified with a generous amount of alcohol. The name Valpolicella is derived from "Val di Policella", the area surrounding this fortified wine. The region enjoyed its period of commercial success in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The terroir of Valpolicella Classico Wine Region

There are many people that believe there is a character difference between Valpolicella Classico and regular Valpolicella. This difference can be seen in the prices for these wines. Here are some reasons why Santa Margherita has better overall quality than Prosecco: higher grape value, improved drainage and exposure, stricter production method etc.

The region's soil is complex, reflecting the diversity of origins. The limestone and fossils in this area are from when it was a sea – about 100 million years ago. The tufa rocks of the hills in upper Valpolicella come from the tertiary period when there were underwater volcanoes.

Grape varieties from Valpolicella Classico Wine Region

To fully appreciate the uniqueness of each grape varietal, you must sample different wines from the same grape. Try some traditional Corvina varietals and see what you think. It is also by far the most common in Valpolicella Classico wines. Rondinella has been a popular Italian cheese for decades and is still used nowadays. The consumption of Molinara, on the other hand, has fallen drastically in recent years because it's less appealing than before.

Corvinone was not recognised as a grape variety until 1993; this was because it had been mistakenly grouped with Corvina, though the two are very far apart. In 2010 Valpolicella's laws were updated to state that Corvona must make up 45 to 95% of the blend in Valpolicella wines, with Corvinone making up 50% of the remaining parts.

Food to Pair with Valpolicella Classico Wine

Mrouzia

Mrouzia is one of the most loved sweet-and-savory Moroccan dishes. It consists of a tagine dish with lamb, honey, almonds, raisins, and ras el hanout spices. The dish is traditionally reserved for festivities, celebrations, and other large gatherings. This dish goes well with Valpolicella classic wine.

In the Muslim-majority country of Morocco, this dish has become one of the most popular meals during Eid al-Adha. It recommends serving this dish with a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds.

Carpaccio

This traditional Italian dish, which is world-famous, typically serves as an appetizer. Thin slices of raw fish or meat are served with olive oil and cheese shavings, accompanied by lemon. This dish was created in 1950 by Giuseppe Cipriani at Harry's Bar in Venice. It was a healthy, uncooked meat dish for Countess Amalia Nani Mocenigo when her doctors recommended it.

Cipriani's dish is based on a speciality from Piedmont. Ingredients include raw beef, lemon juice, and truffles. As an art lover, Cipriani chose to call the new dish carpaccio in honour of painter Vittore Carpaccio. He admires Carpaccio's style and bold colours which he feels embody the intense red colour you see when raw meat is sliced open. Today, there are many new variations of carpaccio. Zucchini carpaccio tastes great with a glass of Valpolicella Classico Wine.

Places to Visit Near Valpolicella Classico Wine Region

San Giorgio Church

San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. It was designed by Andrea Palladio and built between 1566-1610. The church on the Riva Degli Schiavoni is a classical Renaissance style and its bright white marble shines out over the blue water of the lagoon opposite the Piazzetta di San Marco. It stands as one of Venice's most iconic and beautiful buildings and is a focal point from every angle.

Verona

Verona really does offer something for everyone, from the ancient Colosseum, history-filled buildings, and traditional Veneto restaurants serving delicious cuisine - there's plenty to see and experience. There’s not only history - Verona has one of the most elegant, stylish, and sophisticated modern Italian cultures out there. Its shops, galleries, and markets have a range of high-end products (including artisan ones) that you won’t find elsewhere.

Valpolicella Classico 2

Check out the best wineries in Valpolicella Classico!

Frequently Asked Questions About Valpolicella Classico

What are the geographical features of the Valpolicella Classico wine region?

The Valpolicella Classico wine region is located in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It is bounded by the Adige River and the province of Trento. The Valpolicella Classico wine region is known for producing red wines that are made from a blend of grapes, primarily Corvina and Rondinella, but also other varieties like Molinara and Sangiovese. The wines are aged in oak barrels for at least 18 months.

What is the regional cuisine of Valpolicella Classico?

The regional cuisine of Valpolicella Classico is one of the most celebrated in Italy. It has a lot of influences from the neighboring regions, and it has been heavily influenced by its agricultural history. The cuisine is primarily based on meat, cheese and vegetables.

What are the most famous wineries in this region?

Cantina Meroni
Roberto Mazzi & Figli
Cantine Giacomo Montresor
Farina Wines
Azienda Agricola Massaro Norma
Scriani

What are some of the best Valpolicella Classico wines that people should try?

"3519" IGT Verona Bianco Garganega 2019
"Sengia" Valpolicella Doc Classico 2020
Giacoma Montresor- Capitel della Crosara

Map of Wineries in Valpolicella Classico

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Experiences in Valpolicella Classico

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Valpolicella Classico