Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella

Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella: A Symphony of Sweetness and Finesse

The Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella is a triumph in balancing rich sweetness with delightful complexity. This dessert wine hails from the esteemed Valpolicella region in Italy, renowned for its appassimento technique – where grapes are partially dried to concentrate their flavours. The Recioto della Valpolicella, in particular, is the foundation upon which the prestigious Amarone wine is built.

A Captivating Nose

The first aromatic encounter with Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella is an enticing exploration. Deep, concentrated notes of black cherry and mulberry unfold, layered with hints of dried fig and raisin. Warmer tones of baking spice, like cinnamon and clove, emerge alongside a touch of cocoa, hinting at the wine's opulent nature. As the wine opens up, subtle floral notes peek through, adding a touch of elegance and surprising freshness.

A Multi-Layered Palate

The first sip of Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella is a revelation. The wine boasts a remarkably rich and dense mouthfeel, yet it avoids being cloying. The sweetness is beautifully balanced by a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness, keeping the palate engaged. Layers of ripe dark fruit flavours explode on the tongue, mirroring the aromas of black cherry, mulberry, and raisin. Hints of dried fruit, like prune and fig, add further depth, while the baking spice notes from the nose translate beautifully onto the palate, creating a warming sensation. Underlying all these elements is a subtle touch of earthiness, grounding the sweetness and adding complexity.

The finish of Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella is long and lingering. The sweetness recedes gradually, leaving behind a trail of dark fruit and spice flavours that linger on the palate. A touch of minerality emerges at this stage, adding a touch of intrigue and freshness.

Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings

Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella is a dessert wine best enjoyed slightly chilled, ideally between 12-14°C.  This temperature allows the wine's beautiful aromatics to unfurl while maintaining a refreshing quality that cuts through the sweetness.

Due to its rich and decadent nature, Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts. Here are some suggested food pairings to fully appreciate this exceptional wine:

• Blue Cheese: The sweetness and acidity of the Recioto perfectly counterbalance the salty pungency of blue cheese. Try pairing it with Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort.
• Chocolate: The rich fruit flavours and baking spice notes in the Recioto complement the chocolate beautifully. Opt for dark chocolate desserts, like chocolate truffles, flourless chocolate cake, or a decadent chocolate salami.
• Fruit-Based Desserts:  The Recioto enhances the sweetness of fruit-based desserts without becoming overpowering. Pair it with fruit tarts, crumbles, or a selection of fresh berries.
• Creamy Desserts: The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of creamy desserts like crème brûlée, panna cotta, or cheesecake, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Biscotti and Cookies: Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella makes an excellent accompaniment to biscotti, especially those flavoured with almonds or nuts.

Beyond these pairings, Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella can also be enjoyed on its own as a contemplative after-dinner drink. Its complex flavours and lingering finish will surely leave a lasting impression.

In Conclusion

Le Bignele Recioto della Valpolicella is a dessert wine that transcends expectations. It offers a captivating aromatic profile, a beautifully balanced palate brimming with concentrated fruit flavours, and a long, lingering finish. This exceptional wine is a perfect companion to a variety of desserts, promising a truly delightful experience. So, uncork a bottle, savour the symphony of flavours, and indulge in a touch of Italian luxury.