Allegrini La Poja 2017

In 1979, Giovanni Allegrini planted La Grola with all Corvina under Guyot instead of the pergola training system. At the top of this stunning hill of limestone, Franco Allegrini in 1983 foresaw the potential of the 2.6ha plot, 'La Poja' to be bottled as a single vineyard. Here the Corvina 'graspo rosso' clone, richer in colour, achieved perfect ripening and concentration without the need for appassimento. Picked just 10 days later than La Grola and aged in new French oak for a minimum of 20 months, this is one of the top wines from Allegrini. Raspberry and dark cherry fruit integrate with smashed black pepper and cocoa powder in depth. Curry and clove introduce a spicy and savoury palate with dense, graceful tannins and firm yet integrated acidity. Its exotic flavours last for minutes.

Aromas of cassis, camphor, French oak and blue flowers form the expressive nose. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the smooth, delicious palate doles out succulent Morello cherry, spiced blueberry, licorice and tobacco. It's well-balanced, with taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2021–2031.

Beautiful transparency to this with blackberry, blueberry, violet and black-olive aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, chewy and polished with creamy texture. Lots of blue fruit at the finish. Better in 2023 and onwards.

The 2013 Corvina Veronese La Poja gives us a clear picture of the potential of the Corvina grape when fermented as a single-variety wine. Corvina is an important component of the traditional blend that makes up Amarone, and over recent years, we have seen increased focus on this late-ripening grape with naturally thick skins that are ideal for air drying. The grape offers high acidity with sour cherry aromas backed by lighter structure and tannins. This wine sees 20 months of aging in new Allier oak barrique, and much of the fiber and the texture of the wine is enhanced as a result. The alcohol content is well integrated at 14.5%. Morello cherry aromas are backed by savory spice, toast and camphor ash. In terms of mouthfeel, the wine is broad and thick. Some 15,000 bottles were produced.

Rich aromas of smoke, spice and cured tobacco accent crushed black currant and fig cake notes in this finely meshed, elegant red. The focused flavor range provides flesh for the structured tannins, echoing on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2025.