Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2019 750ml

Product Info

96pts Vinous Media
The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Lodoletta is heavenly. A vivid blend of fresh black cherries combines with autumnal spice and almond paste, complicated by a whiff of orange-infused dark chocolate. Peppery rose tones and nuances of shaved cedar join the fray over time. This is a model of elegance yet refinement, silky smooth and pliant, with radiant red berry fruits and mineral tones offset by a tart tinge of citrus, all beautifully balanced by a core of vibrant acidity. The 2019 finishes exceptionally long and full of zesty tension, leaving a twang of bitter clove that pinches at the cheeks as hints of graphite linger. This is a fabulous rendition of Dal Forno’s Valpolicella, finishing at 14.5% alcohol and 0.6 grams of residual sugar per liter. Do not miss this beautiful beast. Drinking Window 2025 – 2034

Dal Forno Romano will not release the 2019 Amarone in 2026, as they now plan to delay their releases by a total of nine years post-vintage. Instead, the winery will offer a library release of the 2011. Best of all, Dal Forno plans to charge only a nominal markup (less than 5%) over the current release price for new vintages. The wines at this address have never been better, the result of a push toward purity and balance over the last decade. The 2019 Valpolicella has me very excited to taste the 2019 Amarone when the time comes. - By Eric Guido on September 2025

93pts Wine Advocate
I had previously reviewed this wine before its commercial release. The Dal Forno Romano 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is thickly extracted with inky black fruit and bitter spice. There is toasted cumin, road pavement and baked plum. The proprietary blend is 60% Corvina, 10% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 15% Croatina and 10% Oseleta that spends 36 months in French and American oak. Its over-the-top full-bodied style is marked by extreme concentration, tannins and evident sweetness. This is a release of 40,000 bottles.

As I reported last year, legendary Amarone extremist Romano Dal Forno has passed the reins over to his son Marco. His two other sons, Luca and Michele, now manage the family's second property, called Comaroto, located in the nearby hills of Illasi. Published: Aug 14, 2025 Reviewed by: Monica Larner

Terroir
Vigneto Monte Lodoletta lies in the eastern Val d’Illasi valley within Veneto, a subzone of Valpolicella known for producing wines of exceptional structure and longevity. The vineyard sits on limestone and clay soils with volcanic influences, providing both drainage and mineral backbone.

The continental climate delivers warm, dry summers followed by cool nights, encouraging full phenolic ripeness while preserving acidity. Careful canopy management and extremely low yields ensure concentrated berries capable of sustaining extended aging.

The 2019 vintage offered a balanced growing season with steady warmth and ideal harvest conditions, resulting in fruit of depth, clarity, and natural structural harmony.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
The wine is composed primarily of Corvina and Rondinella, with small additions of indigenous varieties such as Oseleta and Croatina. Grapes are hand harvested and meticulously sorted before undergoing partial appassimento (controlled drying), concentrating sugars, flavors, and phenolic compounds.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel with extended maceration to maximize extraction. The wine is then aged for multiple years in new French oak barriques, allowing tannins to integrate and complexity to evolve.

Unlike Amarone, Valpolicella Superiore maintains greater linearity and freshness, though Dal Forno’s interpretation remains notably powerful and dense.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 is deep ruby with garnet reflections. The bouquet is intense and layered: black cherry, plum, and blackberry are complemented by notes of cocoa, espresso, licorice, and sweet spice. Subtle balsamic tones and crushed stone add aromatic depth.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured. Concentrated dark fruit is framed by polished tannins and vibrant acidity that provides lift. Oak aging contributes hints of vanilla, cedar, and dark chocolate without overshadowing the fruit core.

The finish is long and persistent, marked by lingering dried fruit, spice, and mineral undertones. The balance between power and structure is seamless.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65°F and decant for at least two hours prior to serving. The wine pairs beautifully with braised beef, roasted lamb, wild game, and aged cheeses. Earth-driven dishes featuring truffle or porcini complement its savory depth.

Its concentration calls for robust cuisine that can match its intensity.

Cellaring & Longevity
The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore is built for extended aging. With substantial structure, extract, and vibrant acidity, it is capable of developing gracefully for 20–25 years.

While approachable with extended decanting, optimal drinking is anticipated from 2027 through 2045 and beyond. Over time, primary dark fruit will evolve into notes of dried fig, leather, tobacco, and forest floor, gaining nuance and refinement with age.