10 Superb Valpolicella Classico Wines: Taste, Prices, Food Pairings

Hailing from the picturesque Veneto wine region, Valpolicella Classico wine is one of Italy’s most popular, easy-drinking red wines.

This dazzling dry wine is lighter and more refreshing than other reds, contributing to its widespread appeal, even among white wine lovers. 

Let’s discover what Valpolicella Classico wine is, the two Valpolicella Classico wine styles, the 10 best wines, and how to serve and pair this classic Italian wine. 

A Quick Intro to Valpolicella Classico

Valpolicella Classico is an Italian table wine made under the Valpolicella (“Valley of Many Cedars”) DOC of Veneto in north-eastern Italy.

Valpolicella Classico wines are made with fresh Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes grown in the traditional Valpolicella Classica viticultural zone. 

Up until the 1960s, this was the original Valpolicella growing area. In 1968, it was given a DOC status, and its size drastically increased.    

Each vineyard in Valpolicella Classica produces high-quality grapes due to the area’s superior drainage, good sun exposure, and stricter production restrictions.

There are three other wine styles produced in the Valpolicella wine region besides Valpolicella Classico. These are:

• Amarone: The Amarone wine is a dry red made with dried grapes
• Valpolicella Recioto: A sweet red wine made with dried grapes
• Valpolicella Ripasso: Made by adding the leftover grape skins from Amarone to the Valpolicella Classico wine 

Two Valpolicella Classico Wine Styles

There are two styles of Valpolicella Classico wines:

• Valpolicella Classico: The standard Valpolicella Classico wine is fresh and light, with a beautiful expression of the terroir. This wine is usually bottled soon after fermentation. The average alcohol content of Valpolicella Classico wines is 11%. 
• Valpolicella Classico Superiore: A Valpolicella Classico wine may claim the “Superiore” label if it has a minimum alcohol level of 12%. Additionally, Valpolicella Superiore wines are aged for one year prior to release in oak barrels, stainless steel tanks, or concrete vats.

Due to their higher alcohol content and extended aging, Valpolicella Superiore wines have more body and complex flavors. These wines have a dominant red fruit tasting note, more pronounced hints of vanilla, chocolate, and clove, and smoky spice aromas. 

10 Best Valpolicella Classico Wines

Here are the finest Valpolicella Classico wines:

• Villa Spinosa 'Figari' Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy 2016
• Gamba 'Le Quare' Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2018
• Tommaso Bussola TB Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2014
• Tedeschi 'La Fabriseria' Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2013
• Zyme 'Val' Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2016
• Ca dei Maghi Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2019
• Masi 'Toar' Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2015
• Secondo Marco Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2014
• Giuseppe Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy 2008
• Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy 2017

1. Villa Spinosa 'Figari' Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy 2016 ($16)

Here we have a ruby red wine with wild berry aromas and ripe red fruit notes. This balanced wine has a spicy flavor of pepper and cinnamon with velvety tannins and great acidity. 

2. Gamba 'Le Quare' Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2018 ($15)

This is a rich, bold and smooth wine with layered fruity flavor. It has depth and structure, a nice smoky aroma with hints of cedar and spice, and good acidity. 

3. Tommaso Bussola TB Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2014 ($45)

Here we have a wine with complex aromas of red currants, dried fruit, licorice, and dark cherry.

This fresh, perfectly balanced Valpolicella Classico Superiore wine has a rich, tannic palate full of cherry liqueur and dark chocolate flavors, and a slightly bitter finish.

4. Tedeschi 'La Fabriseria' Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2013 ($36)

This intensely ruby red-colored wine has complex yet refined aromas of black cherry, plum, and blackberry compote mingled with violet, vanilla, and tobacco notes.

The strong tannin nature of this wine balances perfectly with the acidity and intense fruit flavors. 

5. Zyme 'Val' Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2016 ($47)

This is another deep ruby red wine with decadent notes of plum and cherry. The palate is soft and perfectly rounded with a long spicy finish. 

6. Ca dei Maghi Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2019 ($20)

Here’s an intense and delicious wine with unusual marasca cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry flavors. It has good acidity and refined tannins. 

The flavors of this fresh, dry red wine mingle harmoniously and lead to a long finish. 

7. Masi 'Toar' Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2015 ($27)

This is a rich, dark, velvety wine with a ripe cherry flavour and hints of dark fruit, licorice, smoke, and spice. It’s medium-bodied with a distinct oak aroma note and a long, balanced finish. 

8. Secondo Marco Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2014 ($24)

This stunning medium-bodied wine has an aroma of sour red cherries along with hints of aromatic herbs and dried fruit. This wine is surprisingly fresh and light with great depth, fine tannins, and complexity. 

9. Giuseppe Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy 2008 ($115)

Giuseppe Quintarelli’s Valpolicella Classico is characterized by a classic bitter hazelnut nose and dark fruit flavors. This wine is sure to impress with its smooth and creamy taste and almost perfect balance. 

10. Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy 2017 ($31)

This is a full-bodied, smooth, dry wine with dark fruit flavors of plum, blackberry compote, and liquorice. This bold wine's opulent cinnamon, pepper, and vanilla notes lead to a long, clean finish. 

Valpolicella Classico Serving and Food Pairings

Valpolicella Classico wines pair deliciously with meat dishes like braised short ribs or fish dishes like grilled salmon.

You could also pair a glass of Valpolicella Classico with cold meats and soft cheeses, as well as pasta dishes like spaghetti Puttanesca. 

These delicious table wines make a good alternative to Pinot Noir or Beaujolais wines and should be served at around 16 degrees celsius. 

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If you’re a red wine enthusiast, Valpolicella Classico is a bold, smooth and complex wine that should be on your list. 

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