Valpantena/Verona and its wines

Valpantena is one of the most important winegrowing valleys in the province of Verona, north-east of the city, among the hills of the Lessinia and the Valpolicella Classica.
Also called the "Valley of the Gods" ever since Roman times, Valpantena is today a an official subzone of the Valpolicella DOC, known for producing Amarone, Valpolicella Superiore, Ripasso e Recioto of great quality.

The area

The area is marked by hillside slopes facing south-west, limestone and marl soils, and by a a cool microclimate which encourages the temperature swing and the slow ripening of the grapes.
Viticulture in Valpantena has a clear identity: wines fragrant, balanced, with elegance and marked minerality.

What is the Valpantena wine district?

Valpantena is a a geographical subzone of the Valpolicella DOC, officially recognised and allowed on the label with the wording “Valpolicella Valpantena” for the following appellations:

• Valpolicella DOC / Superiore DOC

• Valpolicella Ripasso DOC

• Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

• Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG

The main wine-growing municipalities are: Grezzana, Poiano, Quinto, Rosaro, Santa Maria in Stelle and part of the northern area of Verona.

Characteristics of Valpantena Wines

Colour

• Reds: Bright ruby red in the Valpolicellas, turning garnet in the Amarones.

Aromas

• Fruity: Cherry, blackberry, ripe plum.

• Floral: Violet, withered rose.

• Spicy and Evolved: Cinnamon, black pepper, liquorice, cocoa, leather (in the more mature wines).

Palate

• Valpolicella DOC: Fresh, easy-drinking, fruity.

• Superiore and Ripasso: More structured, soft, with a lively acid backbone.

• Amarone: Warm, enveloping, deep, with sweet tannins.

• Recioto: Sweet, velvety, elegant.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Valpantena

Black Grape

• Corvina Veronese: The main grape variety, structure and aroma.

• Corvinone: Power and volume.

• Rondinella: Colour and resistance.

• Molinara: (used less) contributes freshness and savouriness.

• Oseleta, Croatina: in small percentages, for complexity.

Why choose a wine from the Valpantena?

The wines of the Valpantena offer a a more elegant, fresher profile compared with some warmer parts of Valpolicella, with:

• Valpolicella DOC: ideal for everyday dishes, cured meats, white meat

• Ripasso and Superiore: excellent with braised meats, light game, rich first courses

• Amarone: perfect for quiet contemplation or with roasts and aged cheeses

• Recioto: with chocolate desserts, nuts, blue cheeses