Corvinone is a native red grape of the Valpolicella area near Verona in Veneto, used together with Corvina and Rondinella to make Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone. Its large, thick-skinned berries are ideal for drying, and it adds structure, colour and spice to the blend.
For a long time Corvinone was thought to be a large-berried clone of Corvina, as the name ("big Corvina") suggests. DNA analysis in the 1990s showed it is a separate, unrelated variety. Since then many producers have given it a bigger role, appreciating its resistance and its contribution to Amarone.
Corvinone is grown almost exclusively in the Valpolicella area, in the hills north of Verona: the historic Classica zone (Fumane, Marano, Negrar, San Pietro in Cariano and Sant'Ambrogio), the Valpantena valley and the wider eastern zone. It is a vigorous vine with large, loose bunches that likes well-exposed hillside sites, where it ripens fully.
Its thick skins and loose bunches let air circulate between the berries, so the grapes stay healthy during the months of drying (appassimento) used for Amarone and Recioto. The drying takes place in ventilated lofts called fruttai, where grapes rest on racks or in small crates until they have lost a large part of their water.
The Valpolicella rules require Corvina as the main grape, and allow Corvinone to replace up to half of it. Rondinella is also required, while other local reds such as Molinara and Oseleta may be added in small amounts.
A few producers make single-variety Corvinone under Veneto IGT, and it is occasionally used in Bardolino DOC.
Compared with Corvina, Corvinone gives more colour, tannin and spice, and slightly less floral perfume. In the blend, Corvina brings the bright cherry fruit and acidity, Rondinella softness and colour, and Corvinone backbone and depth.
Corvinone is almost always part of a blend, so explore it through Valpolicella wines, from a fresh Valpolicella Classico to a Ripasso and an Amarone. Producers who use a high proportion of Corvinone often say so on the back label or in their technical notes; their wines tend to be darker and spicier. If you find a single-variety Corvinone, it is a good way to taste the grape on its own.
Well-known Valpolicella houses include Tommasi, Tedeschi, Santa Sofia, Brigaldara and Musella. Our Amarone wine guide, the best Amarone wines and the best Corvina wines help you choose.
Corvinone shares the Valpolicella blend with Corvina and Rondinella. See more native grapes in the grape varieties index.