It's hard to think of a more critically acclaimed Veneto winery than Marilisa Allegrini's heralded 16th century Corte Giara estate in Valpolicella. From outrageously decadent Amarones to distinctive single-variety bottlings like the 100% Corvina La Poja, it is simply impossible to go wrong with anything they bottle. One of our favorite Italian table wines has always been the ripasso blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Sangiovese called Palazzo della Torre. The ripasso method involves taking a portion of dried grapes and adding them back to the wine to start a second fermentation that adds richness and texture to the final blend without commanding the price of a full-blown Amarone. A perennial favorite among critics, the Palazzo della Torre adds aromas of ripe black cherry, vanilla, and sage to its dark fruit and spice flavors — try it with rich pizza pies, slow-cooked meats, or your favorite risotto.
JGS