2004 Marion Valpolicella Classico Superiore

Valpolicella

This wine is from Veneto, a wine region located in the Northeastern part of Italy.  This Valpolicella is a corvina blend. Corvina usually includes such varietals as Rondinella and other lesser known grapes from the region.  I joyfully imbibed a bottle of the 2004 Marion Valpolicella Classico Superiore. The corvina vines ripen late, which can be challenging for the winemaker. Marion uses highly traditional techniques for drying its grapes in the Veronese Ripasso style. This wine is a blend of 10% Corvina Gentile, 60% Corvina Grossa, 20% Rondinella, 10% Teroldego and other varieties.

On the nose: California dried raisins – hear them singing in the background? Sweet spicy cinnamon. Dehydrated dates. This comes across very reserved in the beginning but gets going in terms of smell an hour in.  No oakiness at all. Very nice, entry level Amarone/ Valpolicella. Would recommend this to someone who has never had this style before.

Palate: Nesquik chocolate milk. Espresso beans. Powerful wine. Walk into a Starbucks and order a Double Ristretto Venti Half-Soy Nonfat Decaf Organic Chocolate Brownie Iced Vanilla Double-Shot Gingerbread Frappuccino Extra Hot with Foam Whipped Cream … tastes exactly like that (just kidding). Pair this with some pork spare ribs that have some nice ground coffee seasoning and it will be a hit.

Rating Scale (out of 5 +):

+++½

Price: $30

“I Heard it Through the Grapevine”