2019 Roccolo Grassi Valpolicella
'I can't recommend these wines highly enough' EG
While the Amarone is the star of the show, the Valpolicella Superiore, which is in the vein of a “baby Amarone”, overdelivers in every possible way.
Eric Guido, vinous.com, September 2025
2019 Valpolicella Superiore, Roccolo Grassi
£150 per 6 bottle case in bond
2019 Amarone della Valpolicella, Roccolo Grassi
£335 per 6 bottle case in bond
From a personal perspective, I have to say, I think there is nothing quite like Amarone. I love this style of wine; it is so individual. Nothing that I have tried across the wine world gets anywhere near imitating the glorious velvetiness (looks like that is actually a word) and the hint of sweet juiciness offset by a lively citrus bitter twist at the end of the palate. I have tried dried skin wines ('appassimento') from southern Italy, and some from Valtellina, but have never been blown away as I am by top Amarone. These wines beg company. If you are a meat eater, they cry out for beef stews, lamb shanks, duck breasts… ideally not all on the same plate. They are even a great partner to a fine cut of steak, simply prepared. If you prefer to partner with great Italian cheeses…Murazzano, Pecorino di Fossa, or blue cheeses all work brilliantly. And on the vegetarian side, Aubergine Parmigiana or wild mushroom risotto are superb partners. Sounds like I have had some practice doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, we can’t taste everything, but this review caught our eye. We hope to taste the Roccolo Grassi wines in due course as Eric Guido’s review is nothing short of a ringing endorsement. The 2019 Amarone, offered here, was the highest scored wine in his broad-ranging Veneto review this September, beating even the wines of iconic estates Quintarelli and Dal Forno.
His introduction to this estate, which was founded in 1996 by Bruno Sartori and his children, Marco and Francesca, is as follows:
‘Over the years, Roccolo Grassi mastered a combination of depth, power and balance. Proprietor Marco Sartori has taken things to a new level with the two latest releases from the 2019 vintage. The 2019s possess the power of 2016 with the vivid fruit of 2015, while a core of racy acidity adds unparalleled energy to the mix. I expect the 2019s to age remarkably well and perform across a broad drinking window. While the Amarone is the star of the show, the Valpolicella Superiore, which is in the vein of a “baby Amarone”, overdelivers in every possible way. I can’t recommend these wines highly enough.’
The estate extends over 15 hectares across Valpolicella and Soave, with vineyards ranging from 100-350 metres in elevation. The approach is minimal interventionist, with winemaker, Marco Sartori considered one of the standout talents of the region. The winemaking is traditional with the wines aged in large French and Slavonian oak barrel.
Certainly Eric Guido's descriptions and endorsements, of both wines, seem to have got me excited - in case you couldn't tell! Count me in for a case of each.
2019 Valpolicella Superiore, Roccolo Grassi
£150 per case in bond
94 points, Eric Guido, vinous.com, September 2025
The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore entices with a rich blend of crushed black cherries, cloves, minty herbs and shavings of dark chocolate. It is silken and elegant in style, with weighty textures offset by brisk acidity as tart red and black fruits add contrast. The 2019 leaves behind a subtle tinge of forgivable heat and a resonance of sage and citrus, with a staining and incredibly long finish. I love this for its savoriness and energy. Drink: 2025-2036
2019 Amarone della Valpolicella, Roccolo Grassi
£335 per case in bond
98 points, Eric Guido, vinous.com, September 2025
The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella seduces with a darkly alluring blend of violet pastille and autumnal spice, giving way to crushed blueberries and a dusting of cocoa. It displays depths of ripe red berry fruits inflected by nuances of blood orange and mocha, while a core of zesty acidity maintains fantastic balance. Staining and long, it is also gently tannic, leaving a tart citrus tinge that adds a classic bitter bite. The 2019 is harmonious to the core, with a modest 4 grams of residual sugar. Fantastic. Drink: 2026-2042
Please let us know of your interest, and if we do get the chance to taste shortly, we’ll send your our notes!
Simon
simon.larkin@atlasfinewines.com