Corvina

Cultivated for centuries in north-east Italy, this grape forms the backbone of Valpolicella, Amarone and Recioto wines - it was mentioned as such in texts from the Middle Ages. Corvina is valued for its fresh acidity and thick skins, which suit both young fruity wines like Bardolino and the appassimento style where the grapes are dried to concentrate them. These wines show flavours of sour cherry, red plum and cranberry, often with subtle almond and spice notes, combining youthful freshness with robustness in Amarones and good longevity.