What is reciotto wine?

Recioto is a type of sweet red wine produced in the Valpolicella region of Italy. It is made from dried grapes, which concentrate the sugars and flavors, resulting in a rich, luscious wine with intense aromas and a long finish.

Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:

Grapes:

* Primarily made from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, the same grapes used for Valpolicella.

* Amarone is made from the same grapes, but dried for a longer period.

Production:

* Grapes are harvested late in the season and dried for several weeks, either on mats or in special drying rooms.

* This process, known as appassimento, concentrates the sugar and flavors.

* The dried grapes are then pressed, and the juice is fermented slowly, resulting in a wine with high alcohol content and sweetness.

Style and Characteristics:

* Sweet with high residual sugar levels.

* Rich and concentrated flavors of dried fruit, cherry, plum, and spice.

* High alcohol content, typically ranging from 14-16% ABV.

* Complex and elegant with a long, lingering finish.

Types of Recioto:

* Recioto della Valpolicella: The most common type, made from the three main Valpolicella grapes.

* Recioto della Valpolicella Classico: A more traditional style, produced in the Classico sub-zone of Valpolicella.

* Recioto della Valpolicella Superiore: A higher-quality style, aged for a minimum of 24 months.

Pairing:

* Recioto is best enjoyed on its own as a dessert wine.

* It can also be paired with rich desserts like chocolate cake, fruit tarts, and cheese plates.

Note: Recioto is often confused with Amarone, which is also made from dried grapes but is a dry wine.