Dal Forno RomanoProducer from Veneto, Italy

The wines of Dal Forno Romano are legendary and are amongst the most unique and collectable wines in Italy. Founded by Romano Dal Forno, a man revered for his relentless dedication and innovative spirit, the winery has revolutionized the standards for Italian wines. Known for its iconic Amarone and rich Valpolicella wines, Dal Forno Romano pushes the boundaries of quality to new heights, drawing acclaim from wine enthusiasts worldwide. In our opinion, along with Giuseppe Quintarelli, Dal Forno Romano makes the best wines in the Veneto.

When Romano Dal Forno took the reins of his family's modest agricultural operations in the early 1980s, he had a clear vision: to transform it into a winery recognised among the best in Italy. Learning from the local vinicultural traditions yet daring to innovate, Romano implemented rigorous quality controls and a scientific approach to every stage of the production process. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in every bottle produced under the Dal Forno Romano label. Rumour has it that Dal Forno who never takes a holiday knows everything in his vineyard down to each single grape grown.

Romano's commitment extended to the vineyards themselves. He restructured them entirely, implementing advanced viticultural techniques and emphasizing low yields of the highest quality grapes over higher quantity harvests. This philosophy ensures that the concentration and complexity of the flavours are preserved and enhanced, a signature attribute of their celebrated Amarone.

"The wines of Romano Dal Forno prove to be, once again, impossible to duplicate. They show such a high degree of individual personality that they occupy their own school of stylistic expression. In fact, they share very little, if anything, with the rest of vino italiano." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

"That's the magic of this estate, and without a doubt, this wine occupies a category that makes it totally unique on the Italian wine scale." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Dal Forno Romano's drying of the grapes:

A distinctive feature of Dal Forno Romano's technique is their use of meticulously selected grapes that undergo a drying process before fermentation. This process, known as appassimento, involves laying the harvested grapes on racks in drying lofts for a few months. The dehydration concentrates the sugars and flavours, leading to the full-bodied and intensely flavorful wine for which Dal Forno Romano is known. This method, while traditional, is perfected by the technological advancements and controlled environment that Romano has put in place, setting the winery apart from its peers.

The Dal Forno Romano winery is not merely an agricultural enterprise but a futuristic lab where tradition meets cutting-edge technology. Romano has invested in state-of-the-art equipment, from temperature-controlled fermentation tanks to sophisticated drying facilities. These technological enhancements enable precise control over the vinification process, elevating the standard of the final product.

"The bar remains incredibly high at the Dal Forno Romano estate. Marco Dal Forno is truly a master of his craft, which is obvious when tasting these wines next to others throughout the region. The real secret, however, is time, as a Dal Forno Amarone needs plenty of it to integrate its oak perfectly and allow all of the deeper complexities to come to the surface. That said, enjoying them in their youth can be pure seduction." - Eric Guido, Vinous

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Wines produced at Dal Forno:

Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella:

Consistently one of the best in the region with the scores to match, the Dal Forno Romano Amarone is a tour de force of winemaking. Carefully selected from the vineyards, the grapes—predominantly Corvina and Rondinella—undergo a traditional drying process known as 'appassimento', increasing their intensity in both flavour and sweetness. The final product is a sumptuous wine, rich with layers of dark fruits, chocolate, and a hint of spice, all enveloped by smooth tannins. Exhibiting both poise and power, this Amarone has a remarkable potential for ageing, gaining in sophistication over time. The limited production of merely 17,000 bottles in 2016 highlights its exclusivity in the global wine community.

Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore:

The Valpolicella Superiore from Dal Forno Romano merges artistry with the richness of the Valpolicella region. This wine is a testament to meticulous cultivation and selection, showcasing vibrant berry essences paired with subtle spice and earth notes, creating a tapestry of flavours. Each grape varietal contributes to the wine's elegance, making it a masterpiece of balance and depth. With its harmonious blend of acidity and fine tannins, it promises a journey of flavour that matures and intensifies over time. Crafted with unparalleled skill, this Valpolicella Superiore secures its prestigious position as a distinguished expression of Romano's winemaking passion.