What kind of wine is Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOC “Giovanni Allegrini” 2019 - Allegrini (0.5l)

The Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOC “Giovanni Allegrini” 2019 - Allegrini (0.5l) is a sweet red wine of great charm, a symbol of the winemaking tradition of Valpolicella Classica. Produced mainly from Corvina Veronese and Rondinella grapes, with a small percentage of other native varieties, it is dedicated to Giovanni Allegrini, founder of the eponymous winery and a connoisseur of this unique style of wine.

This Recioto shares the appassimento technique with Amarone – the process of natural dehydration of the grapes after harvest that concentrates sugars and aromas – but differs in its fermentation being interrupted before all sugars are converted into alcohol. The result is a sweet, rich, and velvety red wine with a soft body and an extraordinary balance between sweetness and freshness.

Vintage details

The 2019 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with a sunny and breezy summer that allowed the grapes to ripen perfectly. Ideal appassimento conditions favored the concentration of aromas and sugars, giving the wine an intense and harmonious aromatic profile. It is a vintage that best expresses the typicality of Valpolicella Classica and the Allegrini family's mastery in vineyard and cellar management.

Vinification and aging

After an appassimento period of approximately 100-120 days in a well-ventilated drying room (fruttaio), the grapes are pressed and fermented slowly at a controlled temperature. Fermentation is intentionally interrupted to preserve a natural portion of residual sugars, which give the Recioto its characteristic balanced sweetness. This is followed by an aging period of about 14 months in oak barriques, during which the wine gains complexity and softness, and then rests for a few months in the bottle before release.

Tasting notes

Color

Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOC “Giovanni Allegrini” 2019 displays an intense ruby red color with garnet reflections, a sign of concentration and slow evolution in the bottle.

Nose

On the nose, it is deep and complex, with aromas of ripe black cherry, dried plum, figs, and sweet spices. Notes of cocoa and vanilla emerge from the wood aging, perfectly integrating with the ripe fruit and a pleasant balsamic component.

Taste

In the mouth, the wine is seductive and harmonious: the natural sweetness is balanced by a lively freshness and silky tannins. The finish is long and persistent, with echoes of red fruit, dark chocolate, and delicate hints of spice. It is a wine of great structure, capable of delivering emotions even to those approaching fine sweet red wines for the first time.

What to pair with Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOC “Giovanni Allegrini” 2019 - Allegrini (0.5l)

Perfect as a meditation wine, this Recioto pairs wonderfully with rich desserts and chocolate, but also with intense blue cheeses. Among the best combinations:

• Chocolate desserts, cakes, or mousses;
• Dry pastries and red fruit tarts;
• Blue cheeses such as Gorgonzola or Stilton, for a surprising sweet-savory contrast.

Served at the end of a meal or as a conversation wine, it enhances special moments and captivates the palate with its elegance.

Storage and aging: how to store Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOC “Giovanni Allegrini” 2019 - Allegrini (0.5l)

To best preserve the qualities of Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOC “Giovanni Allegrini” 2019, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place at a constant temperature between 14 and 16°C. The bottle should be kept lying down to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal over time.

Thanks to its structure and sugar content, this wine has an excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for over 10-15 years, developing more complex notes and an increasingly refined aromatic profile. Tasting at a serving temperature of approximately 14°C enhances its natural sweetness and the softness of its tannins.