Romano Dal Forno Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta 2018

Romano Dal Forno Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta 2018 is a benchmark Superiore from one of Veneto’s most revered modern masters. Crafted with the same obsessive care as the estate’s legendary Amarone, this wine delivers striking concentration, polish and depth that far exceed most Valpolicella. It offers a powerful yet refined expression of Corvina-based Valpolicella, balancing richness with freshness and impeccable structure.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore shows a very intense, deep ruby-red colour with youthful vibrancy at the rim. The nose opens with aromas of ripe red fruits—cherries, plums and dark berries—interwoven with notes of nuts, particularly walnut and almond, supported by hints of dried flowers, sweet spices, cocoa and a subtle balsamic lift. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet remarkably poised, with a velvety texture and finely woven, important tannins that give it both grip and elegance. Layers of ripe cherry and plum are complemented by notes of roasted nuts, dark chocolate, licorice and a touch of warm spice, leading into a long, fruit-driven finish where the alcohol is beautifully integrated and adds warmth rather than heat. While already complex and inviting now, this vintage has significant aging potential; under good cellaring conditions it should evolve gracefully for 10–15 years, gaining further tertiary nuances of leather, tobacco and dried fruit.

Production
The grapes for Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore come from Dal Forno’s meticulously tended vineyards in the heart of Valpolicella in Veneto, where poor, well-drained soils and hillside exposures promote low yields and high concentration. Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara are carefully hand-harvested, with ruthless selection to ensure only perfectly ripe and healthy bunches are used. In classic Dal Forno style, a significant portion of the grapes undergoes a period of appassimento (partial drying) to intensify flavour, colour and structure before fermentation in temperature-controlled conditions. The wine is then aged in high-quality oak (typically new barriques) for an extended period, followed by further bottle aging, resulting in a richly textured yet impeccably balanced Superiore that stands among the elite wines of the region.

Food & Serving
This powerful, structured Valpolicella Superiore pairs beautifully with robust dishes such as braised beef, osso buco, slow-cooked lamb, game (venison, wild boar), and rich meat ragù with polenta or fresh pasta. It also works wonderfully alongside aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano, and truffle-infused dishes. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large red wine glasses to allow the aromas to unfold fully. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is strongly recommended, especially in its youth, to soften the tannins and reveal the full aromatic complexity.

Producer
Romano Dal Forno is one of the most iconic and exacting producers in the Valpolicella region, often credited with redefining what is possible for Amarone and Valpolicella wines. Since establishing his estate in the 1980s in the Montecchia di Crosara area of Veneto, Romano Dal Forno has pursued an uncompromising philosophy of low yields, meticulous vineyard work and cutting-edge cellar techniques, inspired in part by his mentor, Giuseppe Quintarelli. The estate’s wines are now considered among the finest in Italy, frequently earning top scores from international critics and setting the standard for richness, precision and longevity in Valpolicella. Monte Lodoletta, in particular, has become synonymous with modern, world-class expressions of the region’s traditional grape varieties.