Luigi Righetti wines

Going back to the visit to Verona, the other producer we are visiting is Luigi Righetti, a terrific family winery that again specialises in the various reds based on Valpolicella. To begin with, they produce a Valpolicella Ripasso Campolielli or happy fields in English!

This is a ripe and mouth-filling red wine that has a full and generous palate and is simply packed with more cherry and berry fruit than you can shake a stick at. There are wonderful spice notes too and a ripe and generously fruited finish. Great value.

Then comes the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico which is deep ruby-red, with a complex nose dominated by dried fruits. Full-bodied on the palate, the big, cherry and prune flavours in the mouth give way to a rich, smooth finish. Although this will continue to evolve in the bottle for several years yet, we really enjoy drinking it now and enjoying all of its delicious dried fruit flavours.

Finally comes the Recioto della Valpolicella Classico where the wine offers dark, dense and creamy fruit with a hint of ripe tannins. Initially sweet, but not overly so, the palate blossoms into a mouthful of beautifully perfumed, ripe, juicy Morello cherries before the nicely judged acidity freshens the finish. Recioto's notes of cocoa, sweet berries and orange are a perfect complement to the finest quality dark chocolate and red fruit desserts. Try it with summer pudding or a chocolate marquise. Outstanding.