Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Terroir Amarone?

Terroir Amarone is an independent platform created in 2009 by wine journalist Elisabetta Tosi and marketer Giampiero Nadali. Based in Valpolicella, it offers insider winery visits, tasting advice and in‑depth educational resources on Amarone and the wider Valpolicella region.

2. Where is Valpolicella and how big is it?

Valpolicella lies just north‑west of Verona in Veneto. The appellation stretches roughly 35 km west–east and 12 km north–south, framed in part by the Adige River.

3. What are the main sub‑zones of Valpolicella?

Valpolicella is divided into three macro‑areas - Valpolicella Classica, Valpantena and Eastern Valpolicella - each imparting its own stylistic fingerprint to the wines.

4. Which grape varieties make up a traditional Valpolicella blend?

The core grapes are Corvina (45–95 %), Rondinella (5–30 %) and - until 2003 - Molinara. Many growers also use Corvinone (up to 50 % of the Corvina quota) and small amounts of indigenous varieties such as Oseleta or Dindarella.

5. How many appellations exist in Valpolicella?

Four: Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso DOCG, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG.

6. What makes Amarone different from other Valpolicella wines?

Amarone is produced from fully ripe grapes that are dried for several months in ventilated lofts - a technique called appassimento. The dehydration concentrates sugars, tannins and aromas, yielding a powerful, dry red wine that typically exceeds 15 % alcohol.

7. What is the ideal drinking window for Amarone?

According to Terroir Amarone’s vintage chart, Amarone reaches its peak about 10 years after harvest, though top bottlings can evolve gracefully for two decades or more.

8. How many producers operate in Valpolicella?

The region is home to over 300 producers spread across its valleys and crus.

9. Can I visit wineries with Terroir Amarone?

Yes. Terroir Amarone organises bespoke visits led by them as local wine professionals (not tourist guides), giving guests privileged access to iconic estates and artisan growers.

10. How do I request a custom tour?

Fill in the short questionnaire on the “Visit Valpolicella” page - detailing your wine interests, travel dates and group size - and we will reply with a tailored proposal.

11. Do you provide transport or guiding services?

Terroir Amarone does not act as licensed tourist guides or drivers; instead, we accompany guests as independent wine insiders, focusing on education and deep‑dive tastings. Guests normally organise their own transport or hire a local driver.

12. Which languages are winery visits available in?

Visits are conducted primarily in English and Italian; other languages may be possible on request via the booking form.

13. When is the best time to visit Valpolicella?

Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer comfortable temperatures, vibrant vineyard activity and fewer crowds. Harvest (mid‑September) provides an atmospheric glimpse of grape picking, while winter is perfect for cosy cellar tastings.

14. What is a “cru” in Valpolicella and why does it matter?

A cru is a delimited hillside area whose soils, altitude and exposure give wines a recognisable personality. Terroir Amarone hosts an interactive Google Map to explore these crus across the region’s 13 valleys.

15. Where can I find guidance on vintage quality?

Our Amarone Vintage Chart rates every harvest from 1960 to today and includes detailed year‑by‑year analyses for 1997 onwards.

16. Do you sell or ship wine?

Terroir Amarone focuses on education, tastings and tour organisation and does not retail wine directly. Winery visits, however, often include the opportunity to purchase bottles on site.

17. Are vegan, vegetarian or allergy‑friendly options available during tours?

Absolutely. Simply note any dietary requirements in the booking form and we will coordinate suitable food pairings during winery lunches or tastings.

18. How do I get in touch?

Use the contact form on the website or email info@fermentidigitali.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp or Instagram through the footer links on every page.