2017 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta

Some very exciting things are happening in the Dal Forno cellars. This year's trip included a taste of the 2017 Valpolicella and Amarone, which Marco Dal Forno has decided to release before his 2016s, as the wines are more ready. The 2017 vintage was quite warm, but the wines maintain a lovely freshness with vivid fruits that lean more into the red spectrum. That said, yields were down by around 45% due to hail. Production will to return to normal in 2018, something that hasn’t happened for a long time. Expect the 2018s to be fresher, more vibrant and fragrant. However, Dal Forno has begun experimenting with aging in tonneaux in addition to barrels. This estate is known for using French and American oak, yet the wines can take well over a decade to integrate. This change could spell a new era for Dal Forno Romano. Last but not least, and while still considered an experiment, deep in the cellar, a selection of Riserva wines is slowly maturing in large oak casks, with 2015 expected to be the first vintage, slated to be released on its tenth birthday in 2025.