Vineyards and winemaking
This Recioto is crafted from a blend of 65% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara, along with other indigenous old vines. The grapes are selected from the finest, ripest clusters, which undergo meticulous sorting to remove any damaged berries. These selected grapes are then subjected to the appassimento process, where they are dried for several months until February of the following year to concentrate their flavours. After drying, the grapes are crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks until April, before being transferred to old oak barrels for aging. The wine undergoes a prolonged aging process that allows some residual sugar to remain, enhancing its natural sweetness and complexity.
Appearance
Intense red garnet with orange tints, indicating its maturity and depth.
Nose
The nose is initially dominated by floral aromas of violets, wildflowers, and irises, providing a fragrant and inviting bouquet.
Palate
On the palate, Recioto della Valpolicella Amandorlato is clean and extremely complex, featuring flavours of forest floor notes, nut candy, and preserved cherries and sour cherries in brandy. Additional hints of spice, vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon, and liquorice contribute to its rich and layered profile.
Food pairing
This wine pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts and the local speciality, Pandoro di Verona, as well as pies and dry pastries. It also complements red meats and game dishes, particularly wild boar, making it a versatile option for various culinary experiences.
Background story
Corteforte, established in 1989 by Carlo Maria Cerutti, is located in the historically significant Fumane valley, north of Verona. The estate originated in the early 1400s as a fortified structure with four towers, evolving over time into a noble residence that now features a boutique hotel, restaurant, and winery, all surrounded by 3 hectares of premium vineyard plots.
No expense was spared in creating Corteforte. The winery employs organic and sustainable practices and boasts a vast underground storage area for extensive bottle aging, despite its modest annual production of around 20,000 bottles. The estate features a variety of barrel sizes and a wide range of winemaking techniques that focus on the dried grape process. Critics regard Corteforte as a jewel in the crown of the Amarone region, but the true essence of its wines lies in their authenticity, finesse, and character. From the impressive Valpolicella Ripasso to the exemplary single vineyard Amarones, Corteforte continues to set a high standard for excellence in the Amarone region.
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