50% Corvina / 20% Rondinella, 25% Molinara / 5% indigenous varietals. Deep ruby in color. The nose is nice with cherries and baking spice. On the palate, this has deep cherry fruit. Good acidity. Slight tannins. This wine is correct and everything expected for a nice Valpolicella including the price - $18. Will work with medium and heartier foods and if needed, on its own too.
In describing this wine, calling it basically an Amarone, is not correct but a pretty close and useful phrase. It is a blend of 70% Corvina and Corvina grossa, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, and 5% Oseleta. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.
Another "lesser" wine from Bussola. And yes, while his Amarone's are amazing, they are also pricey. This Valpolicella is much more affordable and even in a poor vintage like 2014, he made great wine. This is a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara and other grapes. Fifty percent of the grapes for this wine are harvested in September and are dried for 3 months.
30% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara, Rossignola, Oseleta, Negrara, Dindarella, Sangiovese. Purple in color with some ruby swirls. The nose has a lot of volatile acidity. Whether this is good or bad, can be a unique thing between tasters. It does also lift the aromatics; cherries, black cherries and botanicals. On the palate this has strong acidity. It begs for food which is typical. Lots of cherries as well. Classic, old school Valpolicella. Probably should be consumed in the next five years. At $20, a decent value.
From one of the top producers in this part of the world, His Valpolicellas are better and more serious than most Amarones (and more expensive, too). This is a blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina and 5% Oseleta grapes. Purple in color, opaque and flat. This is a dense, concentrated wine. The nose has cherries, cedar, leather, dark chocolate and a hint of VA (just enough to raise the aromatics without being off putting). Full bodied. Concentrated. Firm tannins with a lush texture. On the palate, this is teeth staining and delicious. Cherries, black cherries, with some
This is a lovely Amarone that delivers a lot for its price point. It is a blend of 85% Corvina and 15% Rondinella. Garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great with black cherries, plums, dried cherries, slight char and roasted herbs. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, lots of fresh and dried cherries with some underlying roasted herbs and spice. Nice balance.
