Corvinone

Corvinone is a red grape of Veneto, important in the blends of Valpolicella. Despite the suggestion of a large Corvina in its name, it is a separate variety rather than simply a clone of Corvina. It is seldom the only grape named on a bottle, so understanding its role means looking beyond the front label.

Its fruit can be used in fresh Valpolicella wines and in styles involving dried grapes, such as Amarone and Recioto. Those methods make a much larger difference to sweetness, alcohol and concentration than a grape list alone can explain. A wine containing Corvinone is therefore not automatically heavy, sweet or made with dried fruit.

Choose the finished style first. A lighter dry Valpolicella can suit pasta, poultry or an informal meal, while a concentrated Amarone needs a different expectation and smaller pour. Recioto belongs in the sweet-wine conversation. If your aim is to learn about Corvinone itself, look for a producer who explains its blend proportion and the reason for including it.