2015 Garbole Hurlo Limited Edition

Just outside the historic city center, north and west towards Lake Garda, you will come across the rolling hills of the Valpolicella region, whose name probably originates from the Greek meaning of "valley of the many cellars". This region is the second largest producer of quality wines (DOC). The Valpolicella area includes several adjoining valleys comprised of 7 different villages.

When it comes to red wine, Valpolicella is focused on the production of four grape varieties: Corvinone, Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella. However, due to the process in between when the grapes are picked and what is done to them afterwards, these wines can be surprisingly different in the bottle.

The style of creating the amarone developed when the winemakers of Veneto were looking for a way to increase the body, alcohol content and complexity of their wines. As evidenced by today's red wines Garda and Valpolicella, wines made from locally grown Corvina, Corvinone (today identified as a separate variety), Rondinella, the invigorating Oseleta and the increasingly phased out Molinara can sometimes be too light to be satisfying. These three pillars of the Valpolicella vineyard are not known for their inherent depth — a shortcoming that is exacerbated by the cool growing conditions of the West of Veneto. In order to concentrate the natural sugars and aromas in the Valpolicella wines, the local producers started to dry their grapes after harvesting to extract water from the berries while preserving their sweetness and flavor. 

The grapes are picked in whole bunches and stored in drying rooms (with warm temperatures and low humidity) where they stay for three weeks up to three months. Traditionally, these grapes were dried on straw mats (belonging to the straw wine family) in the warmest part of the house or winery, but modern technology has replaced the straw with steel and the lofts with pallets. When the drying process — known in Italian as appassimento — is completed, the grapes are gently pressed and its must is fermented. The high sugar content of the grapes results in a higher alcohol potential, so complete fermentation shows up in a strong wine of 15 or 16 percent alcohol by volume. It is then aged in barrels for at least two years before being marketed.

Red wine is made from blue grapes. The wines get their dark colour from the skin of the grape, which ferments with the grape juice. The intensity of the colour is determined by how long the juice has matured; a young red wine will have a somewhat purple colour, while older wines tend to be more orange or brown-red.

With around 10,000 varieties of grapes worldwide, you can go in all directions.

The most well-known blue grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah / Shiraz.

Types of red wine

There are many different types of grapes with different characteristics and aromas. The differences within grape varieties are due to the difference in climate, the soil where the vines are planted, and the amount of sun.

The end result is in the hands of the winemaker. During the process from juice to wine, the winemaker still has a lot of options to change the final product into what he wants to put on the market.

The upbringing of the wine plays a major role in this. After fermentation, the process of raising and maturing the wine begins. There are many options for influencing the wine, but the most well-known concerns the ageing in wood.

If the winemaker chooses to raise the wine on wood, many things come into play. The first choice is whether new or older barrels will be used. Older, used barrels release less or no more aromas and tannins, but they still have an oxidative function. New wood barrels let in dosed oxygen and ensure that the wine has aromas and tannins. This is more intense with smaller barrels than with large wooden barrels.

Dry red wine

The most famous red wine is a dry red wine. The number of grape varieties and different taste profiles are enormous. There is a nice glass of red for every moment.

Sweet red wine

Just like sweet white wine, there is sweet red wine too! They are a lot rarer than dry red wines. If you want to try something different, it's definitely worth a try.

Alcohol-free red wine

Non-alcoholic wine is becoming more and more popular. Whether it is red non-alcoholic wine, white non-alcoholic wine, or sparkling non-alcoholic wine, more and more attention is being paid to it. Perfect for a cosy drink during pregnancy, or during a non-alcoholic month!

Red wine Gift

Red wine is fun to give, and even more fun to receive! Grandcruwijnen has ready-made wine gifts to make your gift recipient happy ;)

If you have your eye on a bottle of wine, at Grandcruwijnen we also have gift packaging to complete your gift! If you've found something you like, you can easily add a gift card during checkout.

Buy red wine online

At Grandcruwijnen you can easily buy red wine online. In our range, you will find products from the well-known grape varieties. If you want to buy a nice red wine, you have come to the right place at Grandcruwijnen. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape variety. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a very well-known grape and gives a full flavour and a dark colour. The ripening process is very important.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most recognized grape varieties for red wine. The grapes are grown in almost every major wine-producing country in a wide spectrum of climates, from Australia, Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, to even China. 

Although the grapes are grown worldwide, most Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from France, Chile, Australia and South Africa.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape ripens late, which is why it thrives best in warm climates. In Bordeaux it is just fine, especially in the relatively warm Entre-Deux Mer and on the dry gravel soils of Médoc and Graves. 

What does a Cabernet Sauvignon wine taste like?

The Cabernet Sauvignon is the most well-behaved boy in the vineyard. He rarely abandons his owner. A Cabernet Sauvignon always gives scents and flavors of blackcurrant and spicy aromas. The difference of which aromas emerge is decided during the maturation process. If a Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in small wooden barrels, then more aromas of coffee, spices and toast will come to the fore.

What temperature should you drink Cabernet Sauvignon?

Over the occasion, a red wine should be drunk at a temperature slightly cooler than room temperature. A Cabernet Sauvignon's ideal serving temperature is 16°C, but the aromas of the wine will come out well between 15 and 18°C.