Valpolicella Classico DOCCorvina Veronese, Rondinella, Molinaraunder-EUR-25still-red
Masi's Bonacosta is one of the most consistently available entry-level Valpolicella Classico on the market. Light garnet, cherry and plum fruit with the signature bitter-cherry note of Corvina; soft tannins for everyday enjoyment. An ideal introduction to the Valpolicella zone before exploring Ripasso and Amarone.
Tip: Masi's Campofiorin (Ripasso style) is the natural step up from Bonacosta; try them side by side to understand the appassimento effect.
Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOCCorvina Veronese, Rondinella, Molinaraunder-EUR-25still-red
A serious Valpolicella Classico Superiore from Le Ragose in Arbizzano, a family estate established in the Classico zone in 1969. The Superiore designation requires longer ageing and higher minimum alcohol; this wine shows dried cherry, spice and a darker fruit character typical of hill-grown Corvina at concentrated levels below Amarone.
Tip: Le Ragose's Valpolicella Superiore is an excellent cellar introduction to the estate before investing in their Amarone; shows the same hillside DNA at a fraction of the price.
Soave Classico DOCGarganega, Trebbiano di Soaveunder-EUR-25still-white
Coffele's Ca' Visco is a single-vineyard hillside Soave Classico grown on basalt volcanic soils above the valley floor. White peach, chamomile and mineral saline on the palate; the basalt gives an almost smoky mineral edge. One of the most thoughtful value expressions of volcanic Garganega in the Classico zone.
Tip: Ca' Visco shows remarkable evolution with three to five years of bottle age; the almond-and-mineral character deepens considerably.
Valpolicella Classico DOCCorvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinaraunder-EUR-25still-red
The entry Valpolicella Classico from Marinella Camerani's Demeter-certified biodynamic estate in Mezzane di Sotto. Light and precise, showing fresh cherry, herbs and the estate's characteristic biodynamic vitality.
Tip: An ideal gateway wine for natural-wine drinkers discovering Valpolicella; shows how the appellation can produce light, precise reds from biodynamic hillside farming.
Prosecco DOCGleraunder-EUR-25sparkling-white
Entry-level Prosecco DOC from one of the historic Conegliano houses. Green apple, white peach and cream on the nose; persistent fine bubbles; clean dry finish.
Tip: Serve at 6-8 degrees C; excellent aperitivo with cicchetti or lightly salted almonds.
Soave Classico DOCGarganega, Trebbiano di Soaveunder-EUR-25still-white
The entry-level Soave Classico from Pieropan, founded 1880 in the Soave Classico DOC. Garganega-dominant, volcanic hillside character: white almond, lemon zest and golden apple with a long mineral finish. Strong value for a hillside Soave Classico.
Tip: The Soave Classico DOC (not the single-vineyard Calvarino or La Rocca) is the entry wine; still benefits from one to two years of cellaring.