92

2021 Palazzo Maffei Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, Veneto

( £15.95, 14.5%, The Co-operative )

A Veneto red that tastes as good as it looks, this is a stylish, modern blend of Corvina, 30% Corvinone and 10% Rondinella, with plenty of acidity, a touch of appealing sweetness from the ripasso technique, red cherry, plum and pomegranate flavours, savoury,  tea leaf-like tannins and a fresh, balanced, persistent finish.

BuyDrinking window: 2026-31Similar Wines: Â£15-20, 90-94, Italy, Red, Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
91

2019 Allegrini Belpasso Rosso, Vapolicella, Veneto

( £10.99-£12.95, 13.5%, Tesco )

The Allegrinis make some of the best Valpolicellas in the Veneto, so it’s no surprise that this blend of the local grapes Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella with 10% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is so impressive. Made with 15% of dried grapes – a technique used to increase concentration and flavour – this is plummy and refreshing with notes of green herbs and black cherry, impressive underlying structure and a classic combination of acidity and fine-grained tannins.

BuyDrinking window: 2021-26Similar Wines: Â£10-15, 90-94, Italy, Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Corvina, Corvinone, Merlot, Rondinella