Recioto della Valpolicella (2018) - Secondo Marco
In the heart of the Valpolicella, among gentle hills and centuries-old vineyards, the Secondo Marco winery guards a secret handed down over generations: Recioto della Valpolicella. This wine has its roots in an ancient tradition, going back to when the Romans already prized the sweet nectar obtained by drying the grapes. Legend has it that the name "Recioto" comes from "recia", meaning "ear" in the local dialect, a reference to the upper part of the bunch, the most exposed to the sun and therefore the sweetest.

Recioto della Valpolicella (2018) - Secondo Marco
Type: Red Wine
Area: Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella
Appellation: Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Grape variety: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Vintage: 2018
Winery: Secondo Marco
Alcohol: 14%
The appellation: Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG is a sweet wine of great prestige, produced in the historic Valpolicella region, in the Veneto. This appellation, recognised in 2010, stands out for its centuries-old tradition and for the quality of the grapes used, mainly Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella, which are dried to concentrate sugars and flavours.
Read more about Recioto della Valpolicella DOCGWhat to eat with Recioto della Valpolicella
Who makes it: Secondo Marco
Secondo Marco is a farming estate born out of a passion for wine and for the Valpolicella area, a place rich in history and winemaking tradition. Founded with the aim of expressing the authenticity of the local wines, Secondo Marco stands out for its attention to quality and sustainability.The name "Secondo Marco" evokes a deep bond with family roots and respect for the land, a symbol of a genuine and respectful approach. Secondo Marco's philosophy is based on: Tradition and innovation, a perfect balance between classic methods and modern techniques Respect for the land, with vineyards that reflect the unique characteristics of Valpolicella Sustainability, a constant commitment to responsible farming practices Approachability: high-quality wines designed for every occasion
Read more about Secondo MarcoThe vine of Recioto della Valpolicella
Corvina
Corvina is a black grape variety native to the Veneto, considered the main variety in the production of some of the region’s most celebrated wines, including Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG and Valpolicella DOC. It is characterised by vibrant acidity, elegant tannins and an aromatic profile rich in red fruit, spices and floral nuances.
Find out moreRondinella
Rondinella is a black grape variety native to Veneto, historically used in the blends of Valpolicella, Bardolino and Amarone della Valpolicella. Rarely vinified as a single variety, it is a complementary variety to Corvina, to which it brings colour, resistance and freshness.
Find out moreMolinara
Molinara is a black grape variety native to Veneto, historically used in the blends of Valpolicella, Bardolino and Amarone della Valpolicella. Its name comes from the whitish bloom that covers the berries, making the bunches look "dusted with flour" (hence "Molinara", which recalls the word "mulino", or mill).
Find out moreRecioto della Valpolicella: the area

Valpolicella
Valpolicella is one of the most celebrated wine areas in Italy, in the province of Verona, in Veneto, between Lake Garda and the Lessini Mountains. It is universally known for producing intense, fragrant, long-lived reds, among which the famous Amarone della Valpolicella, Ripasso and Valpolicella Classico stand out. The region is a mosaic of valleys, limestone hills, and a mild, breezy climate. This combination favours the cultivation of native grapes such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara, which give rise to wines ranging from elegant and easy-drinking to structured and contemplative.
Find out more about ValpolicellaClimate: Mediterranean
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Recioto della Valpolicella
Primary aromas: Cherry, Ripe red fruit
Secondary aromas: Spices, Vanilla
Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco
Tasting notes: A sweet, complex wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, typical of Valpolicella.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Enveloping |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Medium |
| Sweetness | Sweet |
| Finish | Long |
| Colour | Ruby red |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Recioto della Valpolicella
Alcoholic fermentation and maceration
Alcoholic fermentation and maceration is the key process in winemaking, during which the sugars in the must are turned into alcohol through the action of the yeasts. At the same time, in red wines and in some macerated whites, maceration takes place, that is contact between the must and the skins, which allows colour, tannins and aromas to be extracted.
Find out moreAppassimento on racks
Appassimento on racks (or on mats, trays or crates) is a traditional post-harvest drying technique, which consists of leaving the bunches of grapes to shrivel in ventilated, dry premises, generally on wooden or bamboo racks, so as to concentrate sugars, aromas and extractive substances. It is a very ancient and widespread practice, used in particular for the production of passito wines, but also for some full-bodied, long-lived reds such as Amarone.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Recioto della Valpolicella
In cask (7–18 months)
Ageing in cask for between 7 and 18 months is a classic but measured approach to maturing wine. Large casks, usually Slavonian oak or untoasted French oak, allow natural micro-oxygenation, which helps the wine settle, knit together and develop a more complex, harmonious profile. This kind of ageing is widely used for terroir-driven reds and for some structured whites that are after depth without the aromatic intensity a barrique would give.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Recioto della Valpolicella
- No contact with the lees