- 2007 Vaona Valpolicella, Italy .
In a winemaking region arguably most famous for the brooding and intense Amarone, Valpolicella is also the source for elegant reds comprised of essentially the same blend of grapes (Rondinella, Molinara, Corvina, and two or three others). Vaona is a key example of how 'smaller' producers frequently offer better values and wines of more character than their counterparts. I won't name any ubiqituous producers of Amarone or Valpolicella, but for me, wines like those hardly hold a candle to what Vaona is doing. In this, their entry level red, you can expect red licorice and rose petal perfumes, along with lovely sweet cherry fruit at the core of the flavors, along with just enough spice and balancing acidity to make it an exquisite food wine.
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