VALPOLICELLA AND CORVINA GRAPE

Valpolicella Classica, located in Verona province, is a territory of wines, art, and culture. The finest vineyards where grapes grow include the municipalities of Sant'Ambrogio, San Pietro in Cariano, Fumane, Marano; Negrar. The vines find a unique ecosystem due to the protection of the Lessini mountains and the gentle breezes coming from Lake Garda that create a real natural amphitheater.

The Main Grapes Held In This Territory

1. CORVINA VERONESE

History

The name Corvina derives from the word "crow," referring to the color of the berries, but also from the local dialect "cruina," referring to its late-ripening (crua - not ripe). Corvina Veronese is the most important black grape variety in Verona and spreads both in Valpolicella and in Valdadige and along the shores of Lake Garda.

The name Corvina appears in 1627 among the wines of Verona. Corvina Veronese has long been considered identical to the Corbina grape, a very ancient and forgotten variety of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, recovered and included in the national register of sorts in 2007. However, morphologically and genetically, it has been shown that Corvina Veronese and Corbina are two distinct grapes. Similarly, Corvinone was considered a clonal mutation of Corvina Veronese, but it was later discovered that the ampelographic profile and DNA are different even though they may be genetically related.

Its genetic group includes DINDARELLA, GARGANEGA, OSELETA and RONDINELLA. It has a parent-child relationship with REFORSCO DAL PENDUNCOLO ROSSO and RONDINELLA.

Corvina is considered a native variety and is the main grape variety in the composition of the various types of Valpolicella wines. In recent years, it has acquired increasing importance, as demonstrated in pure vinification. It has been registered in the national register since 1969.

Where We Find Corvina Veronese.

It is found throughout the western part of Verona province and particularly on the shores of Lake Garda and in the Valpolicella Classica; it is also found in Australia, New South Wales, a little less in the "extended" area. It is expected to be used in the Valpolicella, Garda Corvina, Bardolino, and Bardolino Superiore DOCG DOCs. It is blended with Rondinella grapes to make an Amarone-style wine, while in Argentina, Tupungato, and Mendoza, wine is produced and is combined with the Malbec variety.

The Plant

The bunch is large, elongated, cylindrical-pyramidal, and compact. The grape is small to medium in size and almost ellipsoidal. Its purple, thick, and waxy skin, while the pulp has a simple and sweet flavor.

It germinates slowly; therefore, the harvest generally takes place in the last days of September and early October. This variety is very sensitive to downy mildew and drought stress which causes burns on the berries. This last characteristic gives it its uniqueness in the cultivation for the production of Amarone in the Verona area, which enjoys a unique microclimate and limits the damage of the berries by the sun.

Wine Obtained

The wine is obtained from a traditional vinification of fresh grapes with a beautiful intense ruby red color. The aromas are dominated by fruity and spicy sensations (black pepper in particular) while, with aging, it presents interesting spicy and mineral nuances. The palate has a sustained body that maintains good acidity and sweet tannins, making the whole harmonious and excellent balance. We recommend tasting it to discover the origin of the scents in Valpolicella wines and explore its adaptability to the table. This wine has good aging prospects if produced with care, and therefore, Several producers make it in purity to the Corvina Veronese. It is possible to obtain the sweet Recioto and the Amarone dry wine with the dried grapes, which can age for decades.

Benefits Of Corvina On Valpolicella Wines

Corvina is a variety that gives a sustained austerity to the wines it produces. It provides body fullness and freshness characteristics depending on how the grapes are processed.

How To Combine it On The Table

Purchased in its new Corvina version, it offers extreme adaptability to the table. Excellent with meats, cheeses, pasta with meat sauce, and grilled fish and barbecue. It is also suitable for street food, burgers, and pizza. Discover our Corvina veronese.

Some versions produced with ageing, on the other hand, can present simpler combinations such as convivial aperitifs, tapas, cold cuts and cheese appetizers, grilled meats, street food, and pizza. Here you have an example from our production.

Synonyms

Corvina Comune, Corvina Gentile, Corvina Nostrana, Corvina Reale, Cruina

Variety Mixed With It

Corbina, Corva and Corvinone

Sources:

1.Guida ai vitigni d’Italia. Slow Food Editore

2. Robinson, J., Harding J., Vouillamoz J.Wine Grapes