Valpolicella Superiore DOC – 2013
-
Introduction
-
The Dal Forno family has been making wine since 1983. Located in Val D’Illasi, the estate consists of 65 acres of vines planted to traditional indigenous varieties of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina. The estate vineyards and farm are located where the slopes begin to rise toward the mountains and sit 1,000 feet above sea level. The loose, alluvial soils, meticulous pruning and scrupulous viticultural techniques ensure remarkable-quality grapes. The Dal Fornos use traditional methods to grow the finest fruit, and then employ modern techniques to produce the best wines — classic in expression and modern in purity.
-
-
Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Valpolicella Superiore DOC
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Soil: Originate from alluvial plains, composed of 70% gravel, 15% silt, and 15% clay
- Elevation: 50-250 meters (251-820 feet)
- Exposure: South
- Density: 12,800 vines/hectare (5,182 vines/acre)
- Training: Guyot
-
Vintage Report
-
2013 began with a cold and quite rainy winter. Heavy rainfalls continued through mid-June. Bud breakage began on April 20, with flowering taking place the end of May. The season proceeded quite regularly, without major events and most importantly without any stress for the vines. There was no hail the entire year, which is uncommon for the region. The temperature remained high through mid-August, eventually tapering off to a range for better maturation without reducing acidity on the grapes. Harvest started the second week of September. Prime weather conditions during this period allowed for the grapes to be carefully picked. It is for these reasons we can say 2013 is an excellent vintage in the Valpolicella.
-
-
Vinification
-
From September 10 – October 22, the finest bunches of grapes are selected, after which a meticulous manual control is carried out to eliminate all grapes that do not meet the standards required. The selected grapes are then placed in a plastic plateaux and are then left to rest for 45 days in large open rooms, where an innovative ventilation system helps maintain an elevated and thorough air flow.
- Fermentation: Fermentation takes place in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of around 28°C. The tanks are equipped with a sophisticated computerized system which allows for automated punching for a period of around 15 days, including the final maceration which takes two days.
- Aging: After the racking process, the Valpolicella rests for a few days in stainless steel tanks which, thanks to their particular shape, allows for easy decantation and, subsequently, is placed in new barrels to mature for 24 months, followed by 36 months in bottle.
-
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 70% Corvina and Corvina grossa, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, and 5% Oseleta
- Alcohol: 14.38%
- TA: 6.0 g/L
- p H: 3.58
- RS: 0.9 g/L
Images
Reviews
-
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore DOC – 2013 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
A harmonious Valpolicella in a richer style, displaying a lovely range of plumped black cherry, star anise, espresso crema, cured tobacco and fragrant smoke notes. The sinewy tannins are well-meshed, but lend weight and definition, and the lightly juicy acidity keeps this focused through to the lasting finish.
-
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore DOC – 2013 – Vinous – 92 Points
The 2013 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is an especially elegant, pretty and understated expression of the Dal Forno style. Black cherries dipped in rum, plum sauce, brown spices and a dusting of cocoa rise up from the glass. It’s silky and polished, seamlessly washing across the palate with plush ripe red and black currants, while leaving minerals and a fine coating of tannin in its wake. Zesty acids add further cheek-puckering tension, as this tapers off structured, with notes of mocha and mentholated herbs lingering long...
-
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore DOC — 2013 – Decanter – 97 Points
From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone.
-
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore DOC — 2013 – Wine & Spirits – 93 Points
This dense, inky Valpolicella defies a category that is typified by soft cherry-fruited wines. Dal Forno’s Valpolicella goes through a similar process as the family’s blockbuster Amarone (also recommended here), with two years of aging in new oak barrels and three in bottle, though the grapes are dried for 45 days rather than 90. It starts out dark, with notes of dried plum and blackberry, chewing tobacco and roasted mushroom, then brightens to red cherry as vibrant acidity draws the flavors out on a long, complex finish.