Valpolicella Classico is wine made under the Valpolicella DOC of Veneto, north-eastern Italy, specifically from grapes grown in the traditional classico viticultural zone.
Valpolicella is one of Italy's most famous red-wine names, ranking alongside those of Chianti, Barolo and Brunello – if not in terms of quality, then certainly in terms of quantity. Just over a third of Valpolicella comes from its classico zone, which was the original Valpolicella growing area prior to 1968, when the wine was given DOC status and a dramatically expanded catchment area. There is a discernable quality difference between Valpolicella Classico and standard Valpolicella, and this is generally reflected in the prices commanded by the wines. The reasons for this relate to terroir and yields: the superior drainage, sunnier aspect and tighter production restrictions enjoyed by the classico vineyards lead to riper, healthier grapes with more complex tannic and phenolic profiles.
The grapes used to make Valpolicella, both inside the classico zone and beyond, are Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. Corvina is generally regarded as the finest of the three, and is certainly the most traditional. It is also by far the most common in Valpolicella Classico wines. Rondinella proved popular in the 1960s and 1970s because of its generous yields, while the use of pale, over-acidic, oxidation-prone Molinara has declined dramatically since its early surge.
The finest terroir in all Valpolicella ('Valley of Many Cellars') is found in the north of the classico zone, around the villages of Fumane, Marano and Negrar. The hills here rise more than 2000ft (610m) into the fresh sub-alpine air, creating a patchwork of aspects facing in every direction and making the most of the northern Italian sunshine. The hamlet of Gargagnago is also responsible for some of Veneto's finest vines, although it is better known as the spiritual home of Garganega, the grape behind the white wines of Soave and Gambellara.
As is the case for all Valpolicella, a Valpolicella Classico may claim the additional mention superiore provided it achieves a minimum final alcohol level of 11% and is aged for one year prior to commercial release.
The Valpolicella Classico growing area also applies to the Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto della Valpolicella and Valpolicella Ripasso DOCs.
