Villa Spinosa, Amarone, Recioto, wine and farm accommodation in Valpolicella

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THE VINES OF VALPOLICELLA

Valpolicella wines must be obtained from autochthonous grape varieties. The production regulations originally stated that all Valpolicella wines should be made from Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, Molinara, and other minor varieties.

The production regulations were later modified to included Corvinone as one of the obligatory varieties whilst Molinara was transferred to the list of permitted and optional varieties.

Nowadays Valpolicella wines are produced with Corvina Veronese, Corvinone and Rondinella. These three autochthonous grape varieties are used to produce the four great wines of Valpolicella, Classico, Superiore Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto.

Corvina Veronese

Corvina Veronese is a vine with good vigour but with a varying yield and poor fertility on the lower buds. It has pyramid shaped bunches of medium size. This variety is appropriate for light soils with good exposure. It gives a well preserved tannic wine with medium body and lends itself well to drying.

Corvinone

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For a long time this was confused with the Corvina of which it was considered a larger version. It has however recently received recognition as a vine in its own right. A generous vine, it has large berries and bunches and is particularly good for drying. It has lower buds of medium fertility and gives tannic wines with intense and fruity bouquets and good body.

Rondinella

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Rondinella is a very rustic vine which may also be grown on less well exposed lands. The lower buds have medium fertility and medium size bunches with cylindrical form. This vine lends itself perfectly to drying. It gives wines with gentle and fruity aromas without a tannic taste but with good structure.

Molinara

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This was once an obligatory vine in the Valpolicella but for some years now has been excluded from the obligatory vines and instead inserted into the list of permitted vines. Production of this vine is now marginal. Its lack of colouring substances help to obtain very drinkable, simple, tasty wines with little colour.