{"product_id":"dal-forno-romano-valpolicella-superiore-doc-2019-veneto-italy","title":"Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2019 (Veneto, Italy) - [JS 98] [VM 96] [DM 94] [WS 94] [WA 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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, Rodinella, Oseleta, and Croatina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eValpolicella Superiore DOC 'Monte Lodolette' is a wine that presents considerable differences with wines in its category. These differences that are mainly due to specific production methods. In fact, the same quality and procedural criteria that are adopted for Amarone are faithfully followed. Starting with the 2002 vintage, all the grapes that go into the Valpolicella Superiore undergo a light but benficial drying process lasting about a month and a half. This phase allows the grapes to achieve an optimal balance between organoleptic concentration and olfactory freshness. The result is a wine of extraordinary aromatic intensity and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyards:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe estate vineyards and farm are located where the  slopes begin to rise toward the mountains and sit 1,000 feet above sea level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2019 vintage experienced dramatic weather swings throughout the year. Following a mild winter, spring arrived with excessive rain and below-average temperatures. June brought a sudden shift as temperatures soared to 42°C, before cooling in July. This erratic weather pattern persisted through summer, causing significant delays in the harvest cycle. Rain in late September disrupted the harvest and led to grape losses. Despite these challenges, the vintage yielded wines of remarkable finesse and elegance, albeit with a lighter structure compared to previous years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Winemaking:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn temperature-controlled steel tanks (around 28 degrees), equipped with a sophisticated computerized  system that allows automatic punching-down over a period of around 15 days, including the final two days  of maceration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eValpolicella offers hints of blueberry, blackberry, cherry and chocolate which emerge gradually as the wine breathes. The potent tannins, which give structure to this product, are in perfect symbiosis with the velvety aromas of sweet spices and jam which envelop the palate and excite the senses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Wow. A super-intense and perfumed wine with aromas of vibrant plums, restrained blood oranges, sweet spices, cloves, coconut, gardenias, milk and fresh mint. Full-bodied and smooth, with velvety, elegant tannins, great density and long, refreshing and balancing acidity. Sleek finish of graphite and licorice. Despite its concentration and dry extract, it shows lightness on the palate. Drinkable now, but at its peak in 10 years.\" (Jun 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Lodoletta is heavenly. A vivid blend of fresh black cherries combines with autumnal spice and almond paste, complicated by a whiff of orange-infused dark chocolate. Peppery rose tones and nuances of shaved cedar join the fray over time. This is a model of elegance yet refinement, silky smooth and pliant, with radiant red berry fruits and mineral tones offset by a tart tinge of citrus, all beautifully balanced by a core of vibrant acidity. The 2019 finishes exceptionally long and full of zesty tension, leaving a twang of bitter clove that pinches at the cheeks as hints of graphite linger. This is a fabulous rendition of Dal Forno’s Valpolicella, finishing at 14.5% alcohol and 0.6 grams of residual sugar per liter. Do not miss this beautiful beast.\" - Eric Guido (Sep 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Aromas of dried black cherry, and desiccated blueberry and blackberry liqueur introduce a palate showing aged balsamic vinegar, liquorice pastille and menthol notes. Bold and broad with some chunky tannins lurking on the finish, this rich and impactful style sits closer to Amarone than its Valpolicella Superiore designation would suggest. Long, smoky and powerful, with reverberant tannins.\" - Jason Millar (Jul 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This Valpolicella is a horse of a different color: dense and creamy, with a rich, saturated feel to the layers of baked black and red currant, fig cake, loamy earth, Earl Grey and cigar box spice notes. Nicely framed by fine-grained, taut tannins and plum skin acidity, this is long and fragrant on the finish. Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina and Oseleta. Drink now through 2039. 2,100 cases made, 1,150 cases imported.\" - Alison Napjus (Dec 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I had previously reviewed this wine before its commercial release. The Dal Forno Romano 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is thickly extracted with inky black fruit and bitter spice. There is toasted cumin, road pavement and baked plum. The proprietary blend is 60% Corvina, 10% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 15% Croatina and 10% Oseleta that spends 36 months in French and American oak. Its over-the-top full-bodied style is marked by extreme concentration, tannins and evident sweetness. This is a release of 40,000 bottles.\" - Monica Larner (Aug 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":53033672081773,"sku":null,"price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/DF_NV_Valpolicella_Superiore_BTL.png?v=1771542716","url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/products\/dal-forno-romano-valpolicella-superiore-doc-2019-veneto-italy","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}