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Corvina Veronese (usually called simply Corvina) is the most important and prestigious red grape variety in Northern Italy (the Veneto region). Being the heart of the legendary Amarone and Valpolicella wines, it yields elegant drinks with crisp acidity. Smelling of sour cherries, plums, almonds, and spices, these wines are a perfect choice for those who appreciate Italian refinement.
Read more100% Corvina wines are quite rare, as this variety is traditionally used in regional blends. When choosing, the most important thing is to consider the production method (especially berry drying).
Fresh harvest blends (e.g., Valpolicella DOC) dominated by Corvina feature a light body, low tannins, and can even be served slightly chilled. If you are looking for a powerful, viscous, and alcoholic wine with notes of dark chocolate and dried fruits, choose Amarone della Valpolicella. This wine is made from partially dried (Appassimento method) Corvina berries. The golden mean between these two styles is Ripasso wines, offering more mature fruitiness and a better price.
Lighter, young Corvina-based wines pair perfectly with pizza, tomato sauce pasta, and poultry. Richer Ripasso style wines will excellently complement pork roasts and wild mushroom dishes. The powerful Amarone demands aged hard cheeses (e.g., Parmigiano-Reggiano), game stews, or can even be enjoyed on its own as a meditative wine after dinner.
Corvina has a very thin skin, so naturally, it provides the wine with little color and low tannins. To make the Valpolicella blend balanced, winemakers mix Corvina (which provides acidity and a wonderful cherry aroma) with Rondinella (adds color) and Molinara or other local varieties.
This is a unique winemaking process of the Veneto region, where harvested Corvina (and other blend) grapes are dried for several months in special, well-ventilated rooms. The berries lose about 30–40% of their water, concentrating their sugar, acids, and aromas. These dried berries are used to produce the prestigious Amarone and sweet Recioto wines.
