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Italiano
English- Felipe Arosio
- Mondo Vino
- 465 views
Where Is Recioto della Valpolicella Born?
Among the gentle hills north of Verona lies the birthplace of Recioto della Valpolicella, one of Italy's oldest and most distinctive sweet red wines. This wine originates in the Valpolicella Classica area, which includes towns like Negrar, Fumane, Marano, Sant’Ambrogio, and San Pietro in Cariano. Here, the hilly microclimate and limestone-clay soils provide ideal conditions for growing the native grape varieties Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara.
The historical importance of this wine is documented in writings dating back to Roman times, which mentioned sweet wines made from dried grapes. Unlike many other dessert wines, Recioto is made to preserve the freshness of the grape thanks to a halted fermentation process that retains natural residual sugar.
What Makes Recioto della Valpolicella Unique?
Recioto della Valpolicella stands out in the Italian wine scene for its complex structure and balanced sweetness. This sweet red wine is made from carefully selected grapes that are dried for about 100–120 days on racks in well-ventilated drying rooms. This drying process enhances the concentration of sugars, aromas, and extractive substances.
During winemaking, fermentation is deliberately stopped to preserve some of the natural sugars. The result is a deep ruby-red wine with enveloping aromas of ripe red fruit, jam, sweet spices, and chocolate. On the palate, it is soft, velvety, and persistent, with a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.
How Is Recioto della Valpolicella Made?
The production process of Recioto della Valpolicella is the result of an ancient and meticulous technique that enhances the quality of native grapes. Harvesting is done strictly by hand, selecting only the healthiest and ripest bunches. These are then placed in crates or on drying racks in well-ventilated rooms where the grapes dry for about 3 to 4 months.
During this time, the water in the berries evaporates while sugars and aromatic substances concentrate. Once the desired level of drying is reached, the grapes are crushed and fermentation begins. Unlike Amarone, fermentation in Recioto is stopped before all sugars turn into alcohol, preserving its natural sweetness.
How to Pair and Serve Recioto della Valpolicella?
Recioto della Valpolicella is a sweet yet structured wine that lends itself to surprising food pairings. Traditionally, it is served with desserts made with dark chocolate, berry tarts, or classic dry Venetian pastries. However, it can also be a delightful match with blue cheeses like spicy gorgonzola or Roquefort, creating an intriguing contrast between sweet and savory.
To best appreciate its complex aromas, it is recommended to serve it slightly chilled, around 14–16°C (57–61°F), in wide red wine glasses. This temperature allows the full aromatic expression without compromising its sweetness.
Recioto della Valpolicella: An Excellence to Discover
Those who love sweet, complex, and structured wines will be captivated by Recioto della Valpolicella. This wine is a true gem of Veronese winemaking, the result of patient craftsmanship and meticulous grape selection. Its versatility at the table and aromatic richness make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to offer clients a refined sweet wine that stands out from mass-produced alternatives.
In a market dominated by standardized options, Recioto continues to express character and authenticity, bringing centuries of history and Veneto wine tradition to the glass. A valuable opportunity for restaurants and wine shops looking to offer an extraordinary sensory experience.