Grape varieties
The characteristics of the wines of Valpolicella is that of being obtained from a blend of different native types of grape varieties (varieties originating in the area) regulated by production specification guidelines. These grapes must meet the following percentages: - Corvina Veronese (Cruina or Corvina) from 40% to 80%; and however in this field, the presence of Corvinone in a maximum amount of 50%, in substitution of an equal percentage of Corvina; - Rondinella from 5% to 30%; Grapes originating from non-aromatic red berries recommended and authorized for the province of Verona can contribute to the production of the stated wines, up to a total maximum of 15% , in the limit of 10% for each vine used.
It has a medium cluster, compact, pyramid shaped and winged. The grape is egg-shaped, with a pruinose skin (covered with pruina, a substance similar to wax that forms on the external surface of some fruit) and is a blue-violet colour. It is a grapevine of good vigour and a rather late budburst with low fertility of the base buds. It has a medium-late maturation time and is fairly constant. It adapts to the different types of training and pruning with preference for those long and with a balanced load of buds. It produces a wine that is ruby red with purple reflections of optimal structure complex and elegant. It responds well to raisining.
The cluster is compact, cylindrical – pyramid shaped. The grape is spherical in shape, a blue-violet colour while the skin has a pruinosity worthy of Corvine. It is very resistant to diseases and therefore particularly suitable for raisining. Grapevine of good vigour and an average budburst, it ripens medium-late , average production and constant. It gives wine a vivacious red colour, with good acidity and body, non tannic, with a delicate fruity and intense fragrance.
Molinara
Its name derives from the consistent pruinosity that appears almost as if was a dusting of flour (therefore originating from the Italian word “molino” – mill in English). It is also known as a “sapid grape”, for its special balance that does not push on either acidity or on the tannins, making the sapidity come out. It has a medium large cluster, and winged with a cylindrical shape. The grape is spherical shaped, a pinkish colour, and medium sized, with a pruinose skin. It is particularly resistant to moulds. It gives wine a slight pink colour, very pleasing, sapid, and of medium duration in time. It is particularly suited, therefore, to the production of yearly vintage Valpolicella.