The tasty 2010 Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Acinatico is a particularly concentrated and dense expression that opens with inky darkness and bright tones of cherry liqueur, pressed violets, tobacco and chocolate. There’s a touch of astringent bitterness that is well wrapped within the wine’s syrupy sweetness. Drink 2014-2020.
Up the zigzagging strada provinciale 33 beyond the well-visited production zones of San Pietro in Cariano and Fumane is Stefano Accordini, near the sleepy town of Cavalo. In the 1970s, Stefano Accordini planted grapevines in the Bessole and Fornetto crus that make some of the estate’s best wines today. Years later, the Accordini family purchased more vineyards near Cavalo and Mazzurega at 550 meters above sea level. These are some of the highest growing spots in the Valpolicella. The bright acidity of the grapes often peeks through, helping to balance out the natural sweetness inherent to Amarone. Four generations of the Accordini family have been at the helm of this brand.
Importers: Vinity Wine Company; www.vinitywinecompany.com; Omniwines Distributing Co.; www.omniwines.com