by Marco Raimondi » Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:39 pm
Sangiovese and Barbera can also be used in the blend. Unfortunately, of the "other red varieties" authorized in the province of Verona which can comprise a maximum 15% of the total blend, one may find Cabernet, Syrah, and Primitivo (among others). I say "unfortunately" because as great as these grapes are, I find that even in the smallest proportions, they encroach upon the traditional character of the wine (especially Cabernet).
marco
P.S. Molinara is an under-appreciated variety in the Valpolicella blend; yes, I understand the desire for ever darker, richer, more concentrated wines, but the lighter, pink/copper-skinned Molinara gives a "sapidity" (savoriness) to Valpolicella (and especially, the concentrated Amarone) which provides badly needed tension in both the bouquet, and especially the balance of what can otherwise be a ponderous wine.