From: Valpolicella, Italy
Blend: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Taste: At 14% alcohol by volume, it presents a ruby-red color that is visually striking. Its bouquet is a delightful fusion of floral notes and red berries, like raspberries and blackberries, creating an inviting aroma. The palate experience is equally impressive: smooth yet marked by a good balance of acidity and tannins. The slight spiciness and sweet notes of ripe fruit add layers of complexity.
Pairing: Valpolicella Superiore is a harmonious match for rich, meaty dishes. Its complex profile elevates pasta adorned with meat sauces, bringing depth to every bite. It also pairs splendidly with various soups and risottos, enhancing the flavors' nuanced character. For meat lovers, this wine is a dream come true. Red meats find a perfect companion in Valpolicella Superiore, especially regarding sausage, duck, lamb, and veal. The wine's structure and body harmonize beautifully with these proteins, creating a symphony of taste. A standout pairing is with osso buco, where the wine's complexity matches the dish's rich, savory depth.
We particularly recommend pairing Valpolicella Superiore with veal parmesan. The hearty nature of this dish, with its rich cheese and tomato sauce, is beautifully complemented by the wine’s robust yet refined profile.
Veal Parmesan
By Melissa Clark
About: Corte Scaletta, a family-run farm in the verdant Marcellise Valley, is just a stone's throw from the historic city of Verona. Established as a vineyard in 2011, Corte Scaletta is a testament to the family's deep connection to the land and their commitment to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Valpolicella DOC region.
The vineyards of Corte Scaletta are nestled in an idyllic setting, shielded by surrounding mountains and hills that create a microclimate ideal for grape cultivation. The estate sprawls across the pristine landscapes of Marcellise and the Musella estate, where traditional grape varieties like Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella flourish alongside a smaller vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The vineyard employs the Guyot training system, ensuring a low grapes yield per plant. This method is instrumental in encapsulating the essence of these autochthonous varieties, which are the cornerstone of the celebrated Valpolicella DOC Superiore and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines.
In line with sustainable agricultural practices, Corte Scaletta shuns chemical herbicides. Instead, they maintain the natural grasses that thrive among the vine rows, contributing to a balanced and healthy ecosystem. This harmonious relationship with nature is reflected in every aspect of their vineyard management, from the careful hand-selection of grapes to the meticulous cutting of grass under the vines using specialized machinery.
Corte Scaletta's cellar is a hub of traditional wine-making, where grapes undergo natural drying and gentle processing to preserve their aromatic qualities. The winery's dedication to quality is evident in every production phase, ensuring that the wines produced are authentic expressions of their origin.
The winery is proud of its strong local identity, using only grapes from its vineyards and overseeing every production stage with passion and expertise. This dedication extends to their environmental responsibility, with Corte Scaletta utilizing 100% renewable energy, thanks to their collaboration with Enegan and a solar power plant integration.
The Valpolicella wine region in Italy is unique for producing four distinct wine styles - Valpolicella, Recioto, Amarone, and Ripasso - all from a similar blend of native grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, and Molinara. By regulation, Valpolicella DOC wines must contain 45-95% Corvina, with Corvinone substituting up to half of Corvina, adding a rounded cherry flavor. Rondinella, accounting for 5-30% of the blend, imparts floral tones, while Molinara, used sparingly, brings a crisp acidity. The resulting Valpolicella wines are vibrant and balanced, with tangy sour cherry notes.
Valpolicella Superiore is aged at least one year and has an alcohol content of at least 12 percent. This status, reserved for wines that meet rigorous standards, is evident in the meticulous production of this Valpolicella. The blend comprises 40% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, and 30% Rondinella.
