Valpolicella : Between Winegrowing Tradition and Artistic Influences

THE WINES

The wines of Valpolicella represent the excellence of Italy’s Veneto region. Ranging from fresh, light reds to rich, full-bodied wines, they are crafted primarily from three key grape varieties: Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, and Rondinella. This combination gives them vibrant red fruit aromas, enhanced by delicate floral and spicy notes. Renowned for their versatility, Valpolicella wines pair beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

THE REGION

The area of Valpolicella’s DOC and DOCG wines stretches across the foothills of the province of Verona. It encompasses several municipalities, divided into two categories: five within the historic Classico zone and fourteen in the broader DOC area. The region extends from the shores of Lake Garda in the west to the Lessini Mountains in the east. Its clay-limestone soils contribute to the wines' structure and minerality, while the temperate climate ensures optimal growing conditions. Each municipality and vineyard boasts its own unique characteristics, adding to the rich diversity of Valpolicella wines.

HISTORY 

Valpolicella has a rich winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times. The region’s name is believed to derive from the Latin Vallis-polis-cellae, meaning “valley of many cellars,” a fitting tribute to its deep-rooted viticultural heritage. Even the ancient Romans appreciated Valpolicella wines, as evidenced by archaeological remains such as wine presses discovered at the Villa Romana in Negrar di Valpolicella.

During the Middle Ages, Valpolicella wines gained prominence as they were traded among Italy’s major cities. However, it was during the Renaissance that the region flourished commercially, with Venetian noble families embracing its wines as a prestigious staple at their tables.

Nowadays, the region’s flagship wine, Amarone della Valpolicella, has an intriguing origin dating back to 1936. Legend has it that an accidental fermentation transformed Recioto, a traditional sweet wine, into a dry and powerful red, giving birth to Amarone. Until then, sweet wines were considered the pinnacle of Valpolicella’s production. After World War II, local winemakers repurposed arele (wooden racks) and taoloni (once used for silkworm farming) to dry grapes for Amarone, refining the process that would define the region’s most celebrated wine.

Today, Valpolicella enjoys international recognition, with Amarone standing as a symbol of ancestral expertise, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation.

THE VALLEY OF POETS

Winemaking has long been at the heart of Valpolicella’s cultural identity. Starting in the 14th century, prominent local families built magnificent villas that soon became gathering places for intellectuals, writers, and poets. The stunning landscapes and refined estates earned the region the nickname “Valley of Poets,” later popularized by the writer Aleardo Aleardi.

Valpolicella’s wines have inspired many literary figures, who praised them in poems and stories. In the 18th century, the scholar Scipione Maffei mentioned them in his Illustrated Edition of Verona, describing them as “wines of particular grace.” He also used the term “bitter” (amaro) to characterize the region’s distinct winemaking style, a word that would later influence the name of Amarone. The establishment of the Academy of Agriculture in 1768 further underscored the growing importance of viticulture in Valpolicella.

Other famous artists have honored these unique wines, including Gabriele D’Annunzio, the renowned 19th and 20th-century Italian writer and wine enthusiast. In his works, he frequently referenced Veneto’s wines, highlighting their boldness and elegance, qualities that continue to define Valpolicella wines today.

PAINTINGS AND ART THROUGH THE AGES

Valpolicella wine has also found its place in visual art, as seen in the works of Bartolomeo Bimbi, a master of still life painting. In the late 17th century, Bimbi depicted lavish banquet scenes featuring wines such as Recioto, alongside other Italian delicacies. These paintings celebrate abundance and refinement, paying tribute to the region’s rich terroir, where wine plays a central role.

But Valpolicella’s artistic influence is not confined to the past. Even today, its wines continue to inspire contemporary artists across various media, including photography, poetry, and conceptual installations exploring themes of time, nature, and tradition. One of the most notable examples is the Anteprima Amarone festival, held each February, where artists showcase works inspired by Amarone, further cementing the wine’s deep cultural significance.

WINE AS A CULTURAL BRIDGE

In Valpolicella, wine is more than just a local product, it is a thread weaving together nature and artistic creation. For centuries, it has inspired painters, poets, architects, and artists of all kinds, shaping a region where viticultural heritage blends seamlessly with artistic expression.

This unique synergy can be experienced firsthand through the many enotourism offerings in the region. One such example is Monte del Frà, a winery that houses a collection of paintings in its tasting room, creating a true bridge between winemaking and the arts. Here, wine is not merely tasted, it is celebrated, narrated, and admired. It transcends time, becoming a universal language that fuses past and present.

This deep-rooted connection to history, culture, and tradition has elevated Valpolicella’s wines to the status of a living heritage. A dynamic culture, constantly evolving and renewing itself, finds its essence in the interconnection between the land, its people, and their creations. Today, Valpolicella wine remains a symbol of regional identity and a testament to the enduring dialogue between past, present, and future.