Allegrini Valpolicella Classico 2024

Allegrini is one of the benchmark names of Valpolicella in the Veneto, and this Classico comes from the historic heart of the appellation in the hills north of Verona. It blends Corvina, which gives the cherry fruit and gentle structure, with Rondinella and Molinara for colour and freshness. The vineyards sit on limestone and clay soils in a cooler, hillside Classico zone, and the moderate climate keeps the grapes bright and aromatic rather than jammy. The wine is fermented and held in stainless steel, an inert vessel that preserves the fresh primary fruit and adds no oak, then given a short rest in bottle before release. This is Valpolicella in its direct, early-drinking form, made to show the grapes rather than the cellar. It pours a clear ruby with violet reflections. The nose is led by ripe cherry and red berries with a touch of bitter almond and dried herbs. The palate is light to medium bodied, with juicy red fruit, fresh acidity, soft tannins and an earthy, faintly herbal finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer. It suits cured meats, roast poultry, mushroom dishes and tomato-based pasta.