The best Valpolicella Classico wine of the Decanter March 2021 issue. Deliciously fresh and light, with notes of red fruits and honey.

Zingy flavours of cranberries and red cherries add a light and refreshing quality to this premium Valpolicella wine. With a lower level of alcohol, it’s an ideal drink to enjoy with a summer barbecue. The wine comes from a small historic vineyard named Vajol in the Valpolicella Classico area, just 12km east of Lake Garda. It’s been operating since 1635, and the Rubinelli family acquired it in the early 20th century. The fields of Vajol form a south-facing amphitheatre, which is very favourable for grape-growing. During the day, lots of sunshine helps the grapes to ripen fully, and by the night cold breezes from Lake Garda help them to retain their natural acidity. Ultimately, this results in refreshing wines that are bursting with ripe fruit flavours. This area is famous for its mineral springs, the water of which naturally flows just a few meters under the fields. This means that the vineyard is well-watered even in the driest seasons.

Winemaking

This Valpolicella Classico wine is made in a traditional way, from a blend of grapes specific to the Veneto region: 45% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara. In September, the grapes are harvested by hand and brought to the winery where they are softly crushed. The juice ferments for two weeks at a controlled temperature. The Rubinelli chose stainless steel for this wine rather than oak barrels, in order to preserve its lively character and aromas of fresh fruits.

Tasting notes

Medium ruby colour. Pronounced aromas of red cherry, cranberry, raspberry and bread, underpinned by notes of dried figs and honey. In the mouth, the wine is dry, with high acidity, medium alcohol and a light touch of tannins. Every sip brings notes of red fruits and honey, followed by a zesty finish.

Awards

Decanter March 2021 (Andrea Briccarello) – 95 points, the best Valpolicella Classico of the issue | Decanter Panel Tasting – 91 points (2020 vintage) | Gambero Rosso – Two Glasses (2019 vintage) | James Suckling – 91 points (2019 vintage)