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Valpolicella DOC red wine
What makes a Valpolicella DOC red wine unique?
Valpolicella DOC is the red wine produced in the hilly area north-west of Verona, between the valleys of Fumane, Marano and Negrar. The grape varieties permitted by the production regulations are all native to the region: Corvina (the principal variety), Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara. The grapes are harvested in October and used fresh, without the appassimento process.
It is a wine designed to be enjoyed young, with medium structure and lively acidity. Compared with Amarone and Ripasso – which are made from the same grape varieties but using different production techniques – Valpolicella DOC focuses on freshness, elegance and drinkability. It is the everyday wine of the region, the bottle that many people in Verona enjoy throughout the week.
Within the denomination, there are two main categories. Valpolicella Classico comes from the historic production area, the oldest part of the appellation, where vineyards grow on terraces supported by traditional marogne (dry-stone walls), at elevations reaching up to 450 metres. Valpolicella Classico Superiore must meet the same geographical requirements, but also requires a minimum ageing period of 12 months and a higher alcohol content.
The difference between “Classico” and “non-Classico” is not only geographical. The limestone-rich soils of Valpolicella Classica, the temperature variations between day and night, and the south-west exposure of the vineyards contribute to grapes with greater aromatic concentration. For those looking for a Valpolicella DOC red wine, the word “Classico” on the label is an important indication of precise origin and quality.
Venturini’s Valpolicella red wines
Venturini produces two Valpolicella DOC red wines, both from the historic Valpolicella Classica area.
Valpolicella Classico DOC is the most immediate and approachable red wine in the Venturini collection. Bright ruby red in colour, it offers a fresh and expressive bouquet with aromas of morello cherry, redcurrant and delicate balsamic notes. On the palate, it is vibrant and elegant, with a clean, savoury finish that invites another sip. The grapes are hand-harvested during the first half of October. After crushing and destemming, fermentation takes place at 26°C with daily pump-overs, followed by malolactic fermentation. It pairs beautifully with first courses featuring meat sauces, while served slightly cooler it can also complement fish dishes prepared in a light tomato and herb sauce.
Campomasua Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC offers a more structured expression of the Valpolicella style. It has a bright ruby colour, with aromas of ripe cherries, violet, pink pepper and subtle mineral notes. The palate is balanced and refined, with a clean, elegant finish. The grapes are harvested during the first week of October. After 10 days of maceration on the skins, the wine matures for 12 months in oak barrels. The name Campomasua identifies the cru where the grapes are grown, located within the family’s vineyards in San Floriano.
Both wines are made from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara grapes, grown across Venturini’s 15 hectares of vineyards in Valpolicella Classica, at an altitude of 250 metres, on limestone-rich soils with south-west exposure.
From Valpolicella DOC to the complete Venturini collection
Valpolicella Classico and Campomasua Superiore represent the starting point of the Venturini wine collection. From the same native grape varieties, different winemaking techniques create the winery’s other distinctive red wines.
Ripasso Semonte Alto is a Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC that undergoes a second fermentation on Amarone grape skins, gaining additional body, richness and complexity. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG is the ultimate expression of the appassimento tradition, made from grapes carefully dried for several months before fermentation and aged for a minimum of 36 months. Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG is the sweet expression of the same drying process, with fermentation interrupted to preserve part of the grapes’ natural sugars.
For anyone discovering Valpolicella wines for the first time, starting with Valpolicella Classico DOC is the ideal choice. It is the wine that best expresses the character of the territory without the additional complexity created by appassimento or Ripasso techniques. From there, moving towards Campomasua Superiore, Ripasso and Amarone becomes a natural journey through the different expressions of Valpolicella.
All wines are available to purchase from the Venturini wine shop at Via Semonte 20, San Pietro in Cariano (Verona) or online, with direct shipping from the winery. For orders and further information, please contact us on +39 346 1683094 or email info@viniventurini.com.
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Practical information for your winery tour
All tours begin at the Venturini wine shop, located at Via Semonte 20, 37029 San Pietro in Cariano (Verona). The winery is approximately a 20-minute drive from Verona, following the signs towards San Floriano in the Valpolicella Classica area. Free on-site parking is available.
To book your tour, simply complete the enquiry form on our wine tasting page or contact our Sales Manager, Alessandro, on +39 346 1683094 or by email at info@viniventurini.com. When making your enquiry, you can specify your preferred date, the number of participants and your chosen experience.
At the end of your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase the full Venturini collection directly from the winery, including Valpolicella Classico, Amarone, Ripasso Semonte Alto, Recioto, our IGT wines and our Valpolicella extra virgin olive oil.
