Advanced Wine Course (3AMK) - RES8HA003-3005

Valpolicella, Barolo and Chianti regions and wines

Student´s Tudor Stefan Gabriel

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

2022-2023
Barchelor of Hospitality and Tourism Experience Management
 Valpolicella

Located in the Veneto region of Italy, the Valpolicella region is one of the most
popular wine regions in the country, second only to the Chianti region.

The Valpolicella region is often called the "valley of many cellars" due to the number
of ancient wineries in the area. The Valpolicella wine region stretches from Soave in the east
to Bardolino in the west of the Veneto region. Lake Garda in the west and the Adriatic Sea on
the southeast shore influence the cold climate of the region.
The extensive viticulture in the Valpolicella region is governed by this cool continental
climate and vine-friendly soil.
One of the most famous wine producers in the region is Masi, which owns the best
vineyard in the region - Vaio dei Masi.
Characteristics of Valpolicella wine:
When we say "Valpolicella" we mean Amarone, but there is a whole range of red
wines that come from this region - full-bodied and light red wine, sweet dessert wine and
even sparkling wine.
A normal Valpolicella wine has cherry flavors with fresh acidity.
While the full-bodied Amarone and Recioto wines have an alcohol level of 15-16%,
the lighter Classico Valpolicella wines have moderate alcohol levels of around 11%.
1. Corvina
Corvina is a grape variety from which red wine is produced. Thick grape skins give
the wine a low level of tannin. It is also known as Corvina Veronese and Cruina.
The Corvina grape is known for its sour cherry flavors - which is why it is a key
ingredient in Valpolicella wines. It is often blended with other grape varieties such as
Rondinella due to its high acidity, giving the wine a unique freshness.
2. Corvinone
 Often used as a substitute for the Corvina grape variety, Corvinone is considered a
clone of the Corvina grape. It is widely grown in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy and
never appears in Veronese wine blends without the base grape.
The skins of the grapes are thick and therefore this grape variety is used in the
production of sweeter wines such as Recioto and fine wines such as Amarone.
3. Rondinella
Another red wine grape grown on the outskirts of the Veneto region, Rondinella is
considered Corvina's lower quality cousin. This indigenous grape adds herbal flavors to the
wine.
4. Molinara
Another blended grape from the region, Molinara is used to add acidity to Valpolicella,
Bardolino and IGT Veneto wines.Molinara grapes are prone to rapid oxidation, which leads to
a lack of flavor. It is only known for its fresh acidity and is not used as a varietal wine grape.
5. Other varieties of grapes
There are several other grapes that are used in small quantities to give Valpolicella
wines unique flavors, including Rossignola, Dindarella, Negrara, Trentina, Barbera,
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Valpolicella wine comes in five major styles, thanks to its rich viticultural history and
continuous improvements in the winemaking process. Here are the wine styles of the
Valpolicella DOC. Clasification:
1. Valpolicella Classico
2. Valpolicella Superiore
3. Amarone della Valpolicella
4. Recioto della Valpolicella
5. Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso
Ripasso is no ordinary Valpolicella DOC wine.
It was developed to give Classico wines an Amarone wine richness.
Barolo
Elegant and age-worthy, Barolo is Italy's most sought-after Nebbiolo wine. It is a dry
red wine with a dramatic history and is said to be the strongest expression of the Nebbiolo
grape! Barolo wine comes from Barolo DOCG (Designation of Origin and Guaranteed),
located in the northern region of Piedmont (South Alba) in Italy.
 Before the 1800s, Barolo was a cask-only sweet wine full of fruity flavors.
Located on the Langhe hills, the 11 communes experience a continental type of
climate. The Tanaro River and its tributaries influence the cold temperature of the
region.During the harvest season, rain and mold affect the Barolo vineyards.
The alkalinity in the soil helps to balance the high acidity of the Nebbiolo grapes.
Nebbiolo grapes
The grape in Barolo's red wines, Nebbiolo, is known for its strong tannins, high acidity
and intense floral aromas.
Nebbiolo buds the earliest, while it is one of the last varieties to ripen. After
vinification, Barolo wines are aged in wooden barrels for 18 months. It ages for another three
years in bottles before being released.
The Barolo variety has notes of chocolate, tar, roses, mint, dried fruit and eucalyptus.
It is also a full-bodied wine with strong tannins, high acidity and a deep red color.
Nebbiolo loses its color as it ages, with the wine turning brick orange. Barolo wines
can be paired with protein-rich foods (such as beef) to bind the tannins. Barolo also goes well
with white truffles.
Chianti
One of the most famous Italian wines is Chianti. This wine is recommended to pair
with pasta with tomato sauce, but it goes equally well with liver or bean dishes. As it ages, its
intense taste becomes smoother.
Chianti DOP has a ruby color, and old wine acquires the color of grains. Dry and
harmonious, this wine becomes smoother over time.
The Chianti region is probably the most famous wine region in Tuscany and probably
in all of Italy. The entire area stretches from Pisa in the northwest to Montalcino in the
southeast and comprises seven different areas: "Chianti Classico", the heart of the Chianti
region, "Chianti Rufina" around Pontassieve, "Chianti Colline Pisane" near Pisa, " Chianti
Montalbano" around Carmignano, as well as "Chianti Colli Fiorentini" near Florence, "Chianti
Colli Senesi" around Siena and "Chianti Aretini" around Arezzo.
Chianti is a growing area in Tuscany that is divided into eight sub-areas.
- The main grape variety is Sangiovese.
- Chianti Classico wines are labeled "Gallo Nero".
 Chianti stretches over an area of 160 km from north to south. Although it is larger in
area than the famous Bordeaux region (France), we cannot help but notice the similarities. In
addition to the fact that we will also meet varieties from Bordeaux (Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon). This fact is due to the soil, temperature and altitude at which the vineyards are
located. So we can say that the uniqueness of these Chianti wines lies precisely in their
versatility.

Comparison between Valpolicella, Barolo and Chianti regions and wines.

All 3 wines are red wines.
VALPOLICELA BAROLO CHIANTI
cold continental climate cold continental climate Cold climate
Alcohol 15-16% 14% 11-12%
wine for dessert Wine for cow TABLE WINE
cherry flavor floral and chocolate aroma strawberry flavor
Corvina and Corvinone Nebbiolo grapes 7 varieties of grapes
grapes

Source:

https://ro.wineclubdirectory.net/valpolicella-region

https://ro.koshachek.com/articles/vinul-chianti-interesant-si-util.html