Northeastern Italy’s Veneto region is probably best known for its rich, ageworthy reds called Amarone della Valpo licella. But the unsung hero of the Amarone blend, Italy’s native Corvina grape, also contributes to other appealing reds from the area. These range from fresh, light-bodied versions that pair perfectly with pizza to bottlings with a bit more body and richness. As a group they’re more accessible than Amarone, in terms of weight and style as well as price.
The Veneto is the global center of Corvina production, with about 98% of the world’s Corvina vines grown in the region, primarily in Valpolicella. Wines from the Valpolicella DOC require Corvina as anywhere from 45% to 95% of the blend, with Corvinone, Rondinella and other varieties making up the remainder. Beyond Valpolicella, IGT versions labeled as Veronese, Veneto and Verona are allowed to shine a 100% spotlight on Corvina, though many examples blend other local varieties and even French grapes, such as Cabernet and Merlot.
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