Wine of the Day for February 2, 2010
Corvina Veronese
Origin
This blue-black grape cultivated by the Romans is noted as the favorite drink of Caesar Augustus, is grown in northeastern Italy and also goes by the name Cruina.
Style
Corvina is the principal grape of Amarone, a complex, dry wine and Recioto, a sweeter, yet crisp wine. These wines are produced in the traditional passitto process in which the best parts of the grape bunches are dried on mats or crates until winter. This reduces the grape’s weight and increases the sugars resulting in a lush, aromatic and richly concentrated wine. (So those of you who are looking for sweet reds, this might be your selection.) It is also the predominant grape in the blends used for Bardolino and Valpolicella.
Characteristics
Corvina Veronese as a single varietal produces light to medium body wines with light crimson coloring. The grape is characterized by bright, delicate cherry fruit flavors, with light sweetness and a pleasant acidity but marked by bitter almond and spice aromas.
Pairing
Amarone is cooked into risotto (YUM), but you can try the single varietal with red sauce pastas and the Recioto with simple seafood meals or grilled fish.
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