Recioto della Valpolicella (2005)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich, sweet red wine with flavors of dried fruits, chocolate, and spice.
About this wine
Recioto della Valpolicella Bertani 2005 is a sweet red wine from Italy's Veneto region, crafted from Corvina Veronese and Rondinella grapes. The grapes are dried on traditional straw mats for up to 150 days, concentrating their sugars and flavors. This process results in a wine with an intense ruby-red color and a complex bouquet of plum, cherry, raspberry, vanilla, hay, and cocoa. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with a long finish featuring notes of forest fruits, chocolate, and licorice. The wine's balanced sweetness and rich flavors make it a classic example of the Recioto style.
About the grape
Corvina Veronese and Rondinella are two grape varieties native to Italy's Valpolicella region, each playing a crucial role in crafting Recioto della Valpolicella wines. Corvina Veronese, the dominant grape, is prized for its rich color, moderate tannins, and flavors ranging from cherry to chocolate. Its thick skin makes it especially well-suited for the appassimento process, where grapes are dried to concentrate sugars and flavors, a method essential for producing Recioto wines. Rondinella, often comprising 5% to 30% of the blend, contributes vibrant color and herbal, floral notes. Its resilience to disease and consistent yields make it a reliable grape for producers. Notably, Rondinella accumulates sugars better than Corvina, making it particularly important for wines that require higher alcohol content, such as Recioto della Valpolicella. Together, these grapes create the distinctive profile of Recioto della Valpolicella, blending Corvina's depth with Rondinella's aromatic qualities.
Quick facts
- 🍇 Recioto della Valpolicella is a sweet red wine from Italy's Valpolicella region, made using the appassimento method, where grapes are dried to concentrate sugars and flavors.
- 👂 The name 'Recioto' comes from the local dialect word 'recia,' meaning 'ear,' referring to the upper part of the grape bunch, which receives the most sunlight and is richest in sugar.
- 🧺 Bertani's Recioto della Valpolicella is crafted from Corvina Veronese and Rondinella grapes, which are handpicked and dried on traditional straw mats called 'arelle' for up to 150 days.
- 🍒 The wine is aged in cherry wood casks for about 12 months, imparting unique flavors and aromas.
- 📜 Recioto della Valpolicella is considered the ancestor of Amarone, as Amarone was originally called 'Recioto Tipo Secco' before evolving into its own distinct dry style.
Palate profile
Producer
Bertani Winery, established in 1857 by brothers Giovan Battista and Gaetano Bertani in Quinto di Valpantena, Italy, is renowned for its pioneering contributions to Italian winemaking. Gaetano, having studied under French viticulturist Jules Guyot, introduced innovative techniques that elevated the quality of their wines. In 1958, Bertani produced its first Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, a style that has since become emblematic of the region. The winery's commitment to excellence was recognized in 2023 when it was named Winery of the Year by Gambero Rosso.
