Romano Dal Forno
Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore Corvina Blend
Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, Italy
Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and some dried fruits: bramble berries, slightly stewed black cherry, dried herbs, stony earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high.
Initial conclusions: this could be a Grenache-based blend, Corvina-based blend or Sangiovese-based blend from France or Italy. I felt the combination of slightly stewed cherry and spices ruled out what I would want from a Sangiovese blend. Which, left me to decide between Southern Rhône or Valpolicella. I liked this wine…the oak treatment was interesting. I was getting a French barrique. Hmmm…
So, for my final conclusion: I’m calling this a Grenache-based blend, from France, from Southern Rhône, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2017, from a more modern leaning producer using a good portion of barrique. I’ll be damned! I don’t hate my call but I gotta get better at distinguishing these wines from Southern Rhône. I probably just need to drink more of both, lol. Tasty stuff! Drink now through 2039.
Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and some dried fruits: bramble berries, slightly stewed black cherry, dried herbs, stony earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high.
Initial conclusions: this could be a Grenache-based blend, Corvina-based blend or Sangiovese-based blend from France or Italy. I felt the combination of slightly stewed cherry and spices ruled out what I would want from a Sangiovese blend. Which, left me to decide between Southern Rhône or Valpolicella. I liked this wine…the oak treatment was interesting. I was getting a French barrique. Hmmm…
So, for my final conclusion: I’m calling this a Grenache-based blend, from France, from Southern Rhône, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2017, from a more modern leaning producer using a good portion of barrique. I’ll be damned! I don’t hate my call but I gotta get better at distinguishing these wines from Southern Rhône. I probably just need to drink more of both, lol. Tasty stuff! Drink now through 2039.
The best Valpolicella I’ve ever tasted? Prolly. Dill, wonderful oak notes on nose & palate.
The best Valpolicella I’ve ever tasted? Prolly. Dill, wonderful oak notes on nose & palate.
Nov 23rd, 2020
What an incredible Valpo! Corvina (70%), Rondinella (20%), Croatina (5%) and Oseleta (5%). Beautiful balance of fruit and organics. Black cherry, baking spices, Forrest Floor, cocoa and a touch of beef jerky waft out of the glass. Dark currants, minerals, and mocha flavors with just a touch of menthol on the finish. Not the least bit jammy. Silky and polished. Fine tannins. Beautiful. Thank You Kasey and Petey!
What an incredible Valpo! Corvina (70%), Rondinella (20%), Croatina (5%) and Oseleta (5%). Beautiful balance of fruit and organics. Black cherry, baking spices, Forrest Floor, cocoa and a touch of beef jerky waft out of the glass. Dark currants, minerals, and mocha flavors with just a touch of menthol on the finish. Not the least bit jammy. Silky and polished. Fine tannins. Beautiful. Thank You Kasey and Petey!
Dec 12th, 2021
