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Corvina at a Glance
Common Flavors
Structure
- Body Medium - Plus
- Sugar Sweet or Dry
- Acid High
- Alcohol Medium Plus
- Tannins Medium Minus
The Shape of Corvina
Each spoke runs from delicate (centre) to pronounced (edge). Tap a benchmark to lay a familiar grape over the top.
Corvina
More About Corvina
Corvina finds itself in a bit of a predicament; although it plays a key role in a very famous wine, it’s not often seen on its own. In fact, when it is bottled on its own, it’s relegated to lowly IGT status, which is quite simply unjust!
Corvina Tasting Notes
Corvina is most often blended with Rondinella and Molinara for Valpolicella and Amarone. It’s a fairly thick-skinned grape, which certainly adds to the heft for which Amarone is known. However, since it hails from northeastern Italy, most reds are lighter bodied than Amarone, including Corvina-based Valpolicellas and Bardolinas.
On its own, Corvina produces a lighter-bodied wine with floral red fruits on the nose and savory currant, red cherry, and plum fruits on the palate. Bright and fruity, it has historically been compared to Beaujolais and the two definitely have quaff-ability in common.
Valpolicellas offer deeper fruit and herbal notes while Amarones are rich and lush due to the ripasso method. Corvina is also the star of Recioto della Valpolicella, an inky dessert wine that is an absolute must-try.
Food Pairing Corvina, Amarone and Valpolicella Wines
Corvina on its own pairs well with lighter fair; think spicy seafood stews or grilled salmon. Due to the mid-weight of Valpolicellas, they work well with poultry and game, roasted vegetables and earthy stews. Amarones demand heartier fare, like lamb, Bolognese sauce or even spiced barbecue.
Wine Growing Regions for Corvina
Corvina is almost exclusively found in the Veneto region of Italy. When blended, it is found in Bardolina DOC, and the many Valipolicella DOC(G)s, including Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto della Valpolicella, and Valpolicella Ripasso.
Beyond Italy, Corvina can be found in limited plantings in Argentina but it is not a key varietal there just yet.
Check out some of these Corvinas and Corvina-blends from Italy:
- Scaia, Corvina IGT, Veneto, Italy
- Allegrini, ‘La Grola’ Corvina IGT, Veneto, Italy
- Dal Forno Romano, ‘Monte Lodelotta’ Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
- Speri Sant’Urbano, Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
- Rocca Sveva, Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy
- La Salette, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties
Where It Grows
Taste Corvina at the Source
Corvina is tied to a handful of regions. Explore each as a travel destination — with wineries, tours and guides.
Editor’s spotlight
Featured Winery · Corvina
Le Marognole Azienda Agricola
★ 4.9
Le Marognole winery is located on the hills of Valgatara, in the Marano Valley, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico. A family business, the vineyards extend to the North East of Verona, between the plains, ...
Explore Le Marognole Azienda Agricola →Visit
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Wineries Known for Corvina
Estates specializing in Corvina, open for tastings.
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Tours Featuring Corvina
Bookable experiences in Corvina's home regions.
5 hours 📍 Venice
★ Top rated 3 hours 📍 Verona E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting from Bardolino
🕑 Morning
3 hours 📍 Verona Bike Station Valpolicella: E-bike tour & Amarone Tasting
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★ Top rated 10 hours 📍 Venice Prosecco Hills Day Trip from Venice & Treviso: 2 Wineries
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★ Top rated 2 hours 📍 Verona Vineyard Tour with Light Lunch in Valpolicella
🕑 Morning 🍽 Lunch included
★ Top rated 7 to 8 hours 📍 Venice Full Day Wine Tour and Tasting in the Prosecco Region
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Corvina: Frequently Asked Questions
What does Corvina wine taste like?
Corvina offers tart cherry, red berry and plum flavors with almond, herbal and subtle spice notes. This Italian red shows bright acidity, light-to-medium body and moderate tannins. In dried-grape Amarone form it becomes rich, full-bodied and raisiny, with dark fruit and chocolate.
Is Corvina sweet or dry?
Corvina is usually made dry, from light Valpolicella to powerful Amarone. It also produces the sweet dried-grape Recioto della Valpolicella dessert wine. The classic still versions are dry, showing sour-cherry fruit and refreshing acidity, while Amarone is a dry but intensely concentrated style.
What food pairs well with Corvina?
Corvina's cherry fruit and bright acidity pair well with pasta, pizza, roast chicken and cured meats in lighter Valpolicella form. Richer Amarone complements braised beef, game, aged cheeses like Parmigiano and hearty stews. Its versatility suits many Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
What wines are made from Corvina?
Corvina is the backbone of Valpolicella wines, including light Valpolicella, richer Ripasso, powerful dried-grape Amarone and sweet Recioto. Grown in Italy's Veneto region, it is usually blended with Rondinella and Molinara, producing styles ranging from fresh, everyday reds to concentrated, age-worthy wines.
Where is Corvina grown?
Corvina is native to the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, centered on the Valpolicella zone near Verona. It is the key grape of Valpolicella and Amarone, grown on hillside vineyards. Plantings remain concentrated in this Italian heartland with limited presence elsewhere.
How should you serve Corvina?
Serve lighter Valpolicella slightly cool, around 55-60°F, to highlight its fresh cherry fruit. Richer Amarone shows best near 60-65°F in a large glass, often decanted to reveal its concentrated dark fruit and spice. Amarone ages well; everyday styles drink young.
