In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: morello cherry, dark chocolate, dried herbs, cedar, smoke

Palate: black cherry, tobacco, espresso, graphite, dried plum

Dal Forno's entry into the Valpolicella range already shows the estate's signature intensity: deeply coloured, barrique-aged and concentrated beyond what the DOC classification implies.

What it pairs with

  • Pappardelle with duck ragu
    The wine's concentrated cherry-tobacco profile and firm tannins match the richness of slow-cooked duck.
  • Grilled lamb chops
    Firm tannins and high acidity cut through the fat of grilled lamb while complementing its gamey notes.

History

The Valpolicella Superiore was Romano Dal Forno's first commercial release and set the template for his subsequent wines: extreme concentration, barrique ageing, and minimal production. It is often cited as the best Valpolicella produced.

  1. 1988 — First Dal Forno Valpolicella Superiore release

Facts

Producer
Dal Forno Romano
Grapes
Corvina (60%), Oseleta (20%), Corvinone (10%), Molinara (10%)
Classification
Valpolicella DOC
Oak
Aged 3 years in small French oak barriques
ABV
14.5%
Price
€80-150 at retail
Drinking window
5-20 from vintage
First vintage
1988

Tags

cellar worthy corvina corvinone cult wine dry firm tannin full body high acid iconic molinara mood bold mood contemplative occasion dinner party occasion special old world oseleta pairs with game pairs with pasta red sauce pairs with red meat price fine still red
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