Allegrini Belpasso 750ml

Belpasso comes from Allegrini, a Veneto family making wine since the sixteenth century. The blend is 40% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, and the name itself points to the winemaking: passo signals the use of must from dried grapes, which pushes the wine towards the richer, riper Valpolicella styles.

In the glass it is a dense ruby. Aromas run to ripe red and blackberries, fresh and dried cherries and a hint of elderberry, with violet, clove, bitter almond and dark chocolate on the palate. The texture is round, dense and full bodied, with silky tannins and fresh fruit acidity holding it together at 13.5% ABV.

The producer suggests barbecue-marinated pork ribs, beef and vegetable skewers or T-bone steaks. It is a strong pick for grilling weekends and for anyone who likes Amarone's warmth at an everyday price.