Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG is a sweet raisin red wine produced in the Valpolicella area, in the province of Verona, in Veneto region. Considering grapes and treatment, the wine is similar to Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG but, unlike this one, it is sweet, i.e. with residual sugar. To achieve this result the fermentation, which turns sugars into alcohol, is stopped before its end. Like Amarone, it is obtained from grapes that have been dried.
The name “recioto” derives from “recia” which in the dialect of Verona means “ear”. It refers to that part of the bunch that comes out in the upper part and that is selected specifically for this type of wine. Since ion average it is more sunny, its sugar content is higher.
Similar wines
The sparkling typology of Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG is a very particular product: it is a red sparkling wine produced with dried grapes. In Italy there are few other red sparkling wines, such as Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG (which also requires the withering of the bunches before fermentation) produced in Marche or Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG produced in Piedmont.
Profile
The color is intense or very intense ruby red, sometimes with violet reflections; with aging it tends to garnet red. The scent is intense and very complex; the fruity notes of plum, cherry and raspberry prevail; spicy hints of vanilla, licorice and cocoa emerge with aging. The flavor is sweet, full-bodied, very soft, warm, captivating with spicy aftertaste.
Food pairing
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG is a sweet wine, therefore it pairs well with all confectionery products: dry sweets, bakery sweets, including the typical Pandoro of Verona, and the dark chocolate.
Tips
Protocol
Production zone
- region: Veneto
- province: Verona
- territory: Valpolicella
Typologies
- Recioto della Valpolicella
- Recioto della Valpolicella Classico
- Recioto della Valpolicella Valpantena
- Recioto della Valpolicella Spumante
Grapes varieties
- Corvina 45-95%
- Corvinone in substitution of Corvina up to a maximum of 50%
- Rondinella 5-30%
Maximum productivity
- quintals of grapes per hectare: 120
- hectoliters of wine per quintal: 0,4
Minimum alcohol
- R. della Valpolicella: 12,0%
- R. della Valpolicella Spumante: 12,0%
Service
- temperature: 14°C / 57°F
- glass: small wine glass
- longevity: 10-20 years
Sparkling type service
- temperature: 8°C / 46°F
- glass: flute or small wine glass
- longevity: 1-2 years