'La Grola' Veronese IGT, Allegrini 2020

The Allegrini family estate covers 100 hectares of vineyard in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area. The family has been growing grapes here for six generations, but the estate in its current form was founded by Giovanni Allegrini. When he died in 1983, it passed to his three children, who ran it together until Walter's death in July 2003. Franco now looks after the vineyards and is the winemaker, and Marilisa is director of marketing.

Allegrini's La Grola is grown in one single vineyard that looks over Lake Garda between 280 - 300 metres above sea level. The vineYrd position and soil here makes a powerful style of wine.

Jeff Porter (WIne Enthusiast) notes: 

'This is a lot of wine in the best possible way. Luscious aromas of blackberries, blueberry compote and baking spices define the wine (currently). The palate is rich, full in body, with savoury spices, black plums and vanilla. The tannins are taut and elegant with a mouthwatering finish.'

A blend of Corvina and Oseleta, in 2019, the grapes were harvested in the second half of September, followed by de-stemming and crushing. Fermentation took place at temperatures between 20-28°C. Maceration lasted for 15 days during which pumping over took place daily. Malolactic fermentation took place naturally in October. The wine was then racked into oak where it matured for 16 months before being blended and spending a further two months in tank before bottling. The wine was then matured in bottle for ten months before releas

This is a prestigious wine of great renown, a super Veronese in name, super good value and a real restaurant wine.  A River Café favourite, its a classic Whitfield WIne, and I suspect will remain on the list for some years to come.