Grapes: 60% Corvina,15% Croatina, 10% Oseleta, 10% Corvinone 5% Rondinella

Romano Dal Forno has spent decades challenging expectations of what Valpolicella can be. Working from his family estate in the Illasi Valley, east of Verona, he has developed a meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking that has made his wines among Italy's most coveted. His Valpolicella Superiore may sit below the legendary Amarone in the estate's hierarchy, but there's nothing modest about its ambition or character.

The 2019 is made from carefully selected grapes that undergo a period of drying before fermentation, concentrating their flavours and giving the wine its extraordinary depth. Although classified as Valpolicella Superiore rather than Amarone, it receives the same painstaking attention to detail, including rigorous fruit selection and extended maturation in oak. The excellent 2019 vintage provides the concentration and structure to support this distinctive style, producing a wine of remarkable intensity and ageing potential.

Black cherry, ripe blackberry and dark plum are layered with cocoa, liquorice, sweet tobacco and warming spice. The palate is rich and concentrated, with velvety tannins, impressive depth and a vibrant streak of acidity that keeps the generous fruit in check. The finish is long and savoury, revealing notes of dark chocolate, dried herbs and espresso. Superb with braised short ribs, venison, aged Parmigiano or a rich mushroom ragù. For anyone who loves the power of Amarone, this is a fascinating opportunity to experience Dal Forno's unmistakable style in a slightly more approachable expression.