At a glance

Producer

Romano Dal Forno

Region

Valpolicella Superiore DOC, Veneto, Italy

Grape variety

Corvina (70%), Rondinella (20%), Croatina (5%), Oseleta (5%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Approximately US$250–450 per 750 mL bottle, varying substantially by market, provenance, and condition

Tasting profile

Expected notes include dark cherry, plum, dried or preserved fruit, spice, cocoa, and savory balsamic or herbal accents; exact expression depends on bottle condition.

Evolution: Primary fruit should gradually yield to dried cherry, leather, tobacco, earth, and more integrated spice, while acidity and tannin preserve definition.

At peak: A dense, layered wine with concentrated dark fruit, polished but substantial tannins, savory complexity, and a long finish.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high, providing freshness and supporting longevity.

Tannins

Firm, abundant, and ripe; likely increasingly integrated with bottle age.

Alcohol

High; exact alcohol level can vary by label and market, so check the bottle.

Aging potential

Strong for Valpolicella Superiore: concentration, tannin, acidity, and Dal Forno's élevage support extended cellaring.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2046

Optimal window

2024 to 2049

Current status

Maturing and approachable with proper aeration, but still capable of further development.

Current condition

At about 12 years from vintage, sound bottles should show developed fruit and savory complexity while retaining structure. Bottle condition and storage history are especially important.

Dal Forno's concentrated Valpolicella Superiore is built for substantially longer aging than an everyday Valpolicella. The 2014 is now entering a mature phase, but its structure and the producer's style support a broad drinking window; peak timing remains dependent on storage and individual bottle development.

Food pairing

Pair with braised beef, venison, lamb, osso buco, rich mushroom dishes, or aged hard cheeses. Match its intensity with savory, substantial food.

Serving

Serving temperature

16–18°C / 61–64°F

Decant

Yes (About 45–90 minutes, adjusting after tasting) — Aeration can open the concentrated wine and soften its firm structure. For a well-stored older bottle, check for sediment and avoid prolonged decanting if it seems fragile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

The estate is known for highly controlled vineyard and cellar work, but verifiable public details on renewable energy, water conservation, packaging reductions, or formal sustainability programs are limited. Do not assume certification without label or producer documentation.

A cautious mid-range score reflects the absence of confirmed certification and detailed, independently verifiable environmental disclosures, rather than evidence of poor practices. The wine's premium, long-lived character may reduce the likelihood of premature disposal, but this does not establish a low production footprint.