The historic Valpolicella region, globally renowned for its distinctive red wines, is taking a new approach to promoting the area with the Valpolicella Wine Route. This newly energised association of economic operators is charting a comprehensive course for holistic enhancement, celebrating not just its world-famous vintages, but also the rich tapestry of its cultural, historical and economic heritage.
© Ph.Strada del Vino Valpolicella
Breaking from traditional models, the Valpolicella Wine Route sets itself apart by fostering collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders, including winemakers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and artisans. Together, they are committed to enhancing the overall Valpolicella experience, showcasing the region’s array of distinctive products and attractions. Through targeted promotional initiatives, the establishment of accessible information points and the widespread dissemination of engaging material, the association aims to raise awareness of the ‘Route’ and its members, inviting visitors to discover the multifaceted soul of this blessed valley.
The narrative of Valpolicella is indeed as deeply rooted as its ancient vines. Considered a fertile haven due to its abundant waterways, which sustained agriculture and attracted early settlements, the region’s valleys bear indelible marks of human presence stretching back to the Paleolithic era. The oldest archaeological finds, predominantly unearthed in caves, grottoes and rock shelters, vividly depict prehistoric life. The eventual Roman conquest bestowed a unified historical and cultural identity upon this complex terrain, with vestiges still visible today in the excavated ruins of villas, which are testaments to imperial influence and sophisticated living.
The Middle Ages ushered in the first glimmers of municipal autonomy, a period solidified by figures such as Federico della Scala, Count of Valpolicella. In 1313, he meticulously defined the valley’s borders and secured crucial commercial and defensive alliances with the powerful Della Scala family. From the 15th to the 18th century, grand manor houses proliferated across the hilly landscapes, characterised by their distinctive portic’ and loggia architectural styles. These buildings hinted at the prosperous agrarian aristocracy that shaped the region’s unique aesthetic.
The modern era, particularly the period following World War II, brought about significant societal changes. The phenomenon of people leaving rural and mountainous areas for the cities transformed the landscape, leading to the gradual abandonment of many traditional rural courts. However, Valpolicella’s resilience ensured that the transition to modern agricultural practices did not erase its rich heritage. The iconic dry-stone walled terraces, known locally as ‘marogne’, have been preserved with respect, serving as both agricultural infrastructure and enduring symbols of human ingenuity. In some areas, ancient trees still stand guard among the vine rows, poignant reminders of their former role supporting the vines before modern trellising systems became commonplace.
Throughout the territory, echoes of traditional farming persist. Visitors can find robust stone tanks that were once used to prepare verdigris, a copper-based fungicide crucial for vine health, as well as sturdy stone huts known as ‘casere’ that were used to shelter tools. Even more remarkably, in the higher reaches, some ancient iceboxes – rudimentary, naturally cooled structures that predate modern refrigeration – remain, bearing witness to centuries of resourceful living and self-sufficiency. This blend of ancient and modern agriculture showcases a landscape that has continuously adapted while honouring its deep-seated traditions.
© Ph.Strada del Vino Valpolicella
The name Valpolicella itself is shrouded in fascinating etymological debate, adding another layer to the region’s mystique. First documented in a 1177 decree by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa as Val Polesela, its precise origin remains a subject of scholarly discussion. Some posit a derivation from the Greek polyzèlos, meaning very blessed, thus translating to very blessed valley – an apt description of the region’s natural bounty and fertile lands. Others trace it back to the Latin pulcella, meaning young girl, a link referenced by the maiden depicted in the coat of arms of the municipality of San Pietro in Cariano.
© Ph.Strada del Vino Valpolicella
However, the explanation that is most widely embraced, and which arguably most fittingly honours the region’s profound productive heritage, is that it stems from the Latin Val-poli-cellae, which translates as valley of many cellars. This interpretation encapsulates the essence of a land defined by viticulture and the countless family cellars that have produced its exquisite wines for generations.
At the heart of Valpolicella’s winemaking expertise lies its unique blend of native grape varieties. The undisputed star is Corvina, which can account for a significant proportion of the blend, ranging from 45% to an impressive 95%. Its clone, Corvinone, can account for up to 50% of the blend, significantly contributing to the wine’s structure and complexity. Lauded for its generosity, Corvina yields dynamic, full-bodied wines with intense tannins and nuanced flavours of cherry and spice.
Rondinella, though often playing a secondary role of 5–30%, is indispensable for imparting vibrant colour and delicate aromatic finesse. Other red grape varieties, such as Molinara, or non-aromatic vines, complete this intricate mosaic, each adding subtle nuances to the final product. The coveted Valpolicella DOC Classico designation is exclusively reserved for wines produced with meticulous care within the five historic municipalities of the original Valpolicella: Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Fumane, San Pietro in Cariano, Marano and Negrar – the true cradle of this ancient and celebrated wine.
Within this viticultural family, four distinct expressions stand out, each a testament to the region’s diverse terroir and winemaking traditions:
© Ph.Strada del Vino Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella
This red wine takes its name from the Italian adjective amaro, meaning “bitter”, which was used around 1700 to describe a wine as “dry” rather than sweet. This indicates its robust, non-sugary character. Its unique vinification process relies on the appassimento method, which involves the delicate drying of grapes for approximately 120 days. This crucial step begins with a rigorous selection of bunches in the vineyard at harvest time to ensure the highest quality raw material. During this prolonged drying process, the sugars concentrate and the grapes undergo complex biochemical transformations. Subsequent fermentation continues until almost all the sugars have been converted, resulting in a powerful, age-worthy wine celebrated as one of Italy’s most long-lived and iconic reds. It is renowned for its intensity, depth and rich aromatic profile.
Recioto della Valpolicella: The most famous sweet wine of Veneto
In vivid contrast, Recioto della Valpolicella is Veneto’s most famous sweet wine, a liquid testament to the region’s ancient traditions. Its evocative name, Recioto, stems from the Veronese dialect word reci, meaning “ear”. This refers to a time-honoured practice where the grapes harvested from the side wings, or “ears” (recie), of the larger bunches were specifically selected for drying. These “ears” were believed to receive the most sunlight and air, making them ideal for the appassimento process. Speaking of Recioto is delving into the history of Valpolicella itself: a wine that embodies centuries of careful craftsmanship and offers an intense sweetness that is beautifully balanced by refreshing acidity — a historic indulgence indeed.
© Ph.Strada del Vino Valpolicella
Valpolicella: A wine with a very intense red colour and a strong aroma
The foundational ‘Valpolicella’ wine itself has a long history, with evidence suggesting that the indigenous Arusnati cultivated vines in this territory before the Roman era. Today, the production of this wine remains committed to using native grapes, primarily Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara, thus reaffirming an unbreakable bond with the land and its heritage. The perfect synergy of these varietals, combined with the unwavering skill of individual winemakers, gives rise to the Valpolicella wine. Its dialectal form, Val Polesèla, was first chronicled in a document from 1177, sealing its place in history as a vibrant, fruit-forward expression of the region.
Valpolicella Ripasso: Ruby colour with garnet reflections
Adding another layer to Valpolicella’s diverse portfolio is the Valpolicella Ripasso. Characterised by a brilliant ruby colour with evolving garnet reflections, this wine derives its unique properties from a distinctive secondary fermentation. After the initial fermentation of the standard Valpolicella wine, it is ‘re-passed’ (‘ripasso’) over the warm, still-moist pomace (skins and seeds) left over from the Amarone production process. This contact, lasting approximately 15 to 20 days, imbues the Ripasso with greater structure, enhanced longevity and a higher alcohol content than the basic Valpolicella. It also develops lower acidity, increased roundness and a richer concentration of extracts and phenolic substances, resulting in a more complex and robust expression of the region’s viticultural prowess — often described as a ‘baby Amarone’.
The Valpolicella Wine Route is much more than just a geographical path; it is an invitation to immerse yourself in a living mosaic of history, culture and unparalleled flavours. The association unites the diverse threads of this remarkable territory, ensuring that every sip of Valpolicella wine, every panoramic vista and every historical detail contributes to a richer, more profound understanding of a region that, as its possible etymology suggests, is truly a ‘valley of many cellars’ – with countless treasures waiting to be discovered.
