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Drying process

From Grape Care to Wines with Unmistakable and Seductive Notes

Appassimento is an ancient winemaking technique, dating back to Roman times. This traditional method of Valpolicella is essential for the production of Amarone, Recioto, and Ripasso.

During the hand-harvesting process, we carefully select the loosest, least compact grape clusters, ensuring that each berry is perfectly ripe and healthy. The grapes are then placed in large crates called "plateaux" and left to rest in drying rooms (fruttai in Italian)—large, well-ventilated spaces—for 100 to 120 days. This allows the water content in the grapes to evaporate, concentrating the sugars and flavours. By the end of this process, the grapes lose 30-40% of their weight, enhancing the richness and complexity of the juice. In January, the dried grapes are gently pressed, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels.

Our grapes

Each grape variety, with its unique characteristics, contributes to a harmonious blend of flavours, aromas, and colours, making our wines a true expression of the terroir.

Corvina

A native black grape variety of Valpolicella, Corvina takes its name from its deep, dark raven (corvo in Italian) colour. This grape has moderate and consistent yields and is highly suited to appassimento. Cluster: Medium-sized, elongated, cylindrical-pyramidal, compact, often with one or two small wings. Berries: Medium-sized, thick-skinned, deep blue-violet, with a sweet, juicy pulp. Harvest: Late September to early October. Wines: Full-bodied, structured reds with deep ruby-red colour, cherry and plum aromas, and balanced acidity.

Corvinone

A dark-skinned Valpolicella grape, Corvinone was once thought to be a variant of Corvina until officially recognized as a distinct variety in 1993. It thrives in hilly vineyards and is highly suited to drying. Cluster: Larger and longer than Corvina, pyramidal, loosely packed, usually with two wings. Berries: Larger than Corvina, thick-skinned, blue-black, covered with bloom. Harvest: Late September. Wines: Rich, full-bodied reds with intense fruity and sometimes spicy aromas, firm tannins, and bright acidity.

Rondinella

A historic black grape variety from Verona, believed to have been introduced in the late 1800s. Its name likely derives from its dark color with blue reflections, reminiscent of a swallow (rondine in Italian) plumage. Cluster: Medium-sized, compact, with one or two wings. Berries: Small, round, thick-skinned, deep blue-black with a waxy coating. Harvest: Late September to early October. Wines: Ruby-red, well-structured, with fruity and savory characteristics.

Molinara

A Venetian black grape variety, cultivated in Valpolicella since the late 19th century. Its name reminds the word mill (mulino in Italian) referring to the flour-dusted appearance of its bloom-covered berries. Cluster: Medium-sized, pyramidal, loose, with one or two short wings. Berries: Medium-sized, thick-skinned, deep red-violet with a strong bloom. Harvest: Mid-October. Wines: Medium-bodied, fresh, rosé-hued, with delicate aromas and bright acidity.

Oseleta

A rare black grape from Valpolicella and Monti Lessini, Oseleta was rediscovered in the 1970s after being nearly forgotten. Its name comes from the Venetian dialect word oseleto (small bird) as birds are particularly fond of its berries. Cluster: Small, compact, cylindrical-pyramidal, usually with one wing. Berries: Medium-sized, thick-skinned, blue-black. Harvest: Late October. Wines: Deep ruby-red, intensely fruity, spicy, tannic, and full-bodied. Cluster: Medium-sized, pyramidal, loose, with one or two short wings. Berries: Medium-sized, thick-skinned, deep red-violet with a strong bloom. Harvest: Mid-October. Wines: Medium-bodied, fresh, rosé-hued, with delicate aromas and bright acidity.

Our Wines

Discover the true essence of Valpolicella and Lugana through our wines. Each bottle of Monteci wine is a tribute to the memory and winemaking traditions of these extraordinary lands. From bold, structured reds to fresh, fragrant whites, every glass takes you on a unique sensory journey—perfect for any occasion.Indulge in the unparalleled aromas and flavours, born from passion, meticulous care, and an uncompromising selection of the finest grapes.