ALLEGRINI 'La Poja' Monovitigno Corvina Veronese IGT 2018 Bottle

Description

Allegrini 2018 La Poja is an exceptional expression of Corvina, showcasing the unique terroir of the Podere La Grola vineyard. Decanter awards it an impressive 98 points, highlighting its beautiful aromas of crushed rose petals, pink peppercorns, and vibrant fruit notes like strawberries and blood orange. Georgina Hindle praises its lively, energetic palate, with a soft texture and brilliantly integrated tannins, alongside a long, persistent finish. Wine Enthusiast gives it 96 points, noting aromas of black cherry and plum, enriched with sandalwood and clove, complemented by a mineral lift on the finish. James Suckling rates it 95 points, describing its attractive aromas of dark raspberry and figs, with impressive concentration and length. This wine is perfect for enjoying now or for aging, reflecting the elegance of the vintage.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
The 2018 La Poja from Allegrini is a remarkable expression of 100% Corvina, showcasing the winery's commitment to exceptional quality. Giovanni Allegrini's decision to plant these grapes on the stunning limestone plateau of La Grola in 1979 has led to the creation of a truly iconic wine. The combination of superior viticulture and an ideal microclimate allows for the production of grapes with extraordinary depth and character.

This vintage enchants with layers of fragrant aromas, including ripe blackberries, cherries, and hints of violet, along with spice and earthy nuances. On the palate, it delivers an elegant and sophisticated experience, bursting with flavors of dark fruits, toasted tobacco, dark spice, and liquorice, all beautifully framed by silky tannins and vibrant acidity.

Decanter awarded it an impressive 98 points, praising its beautiful lifted scents, incredible incense fragrance, and a lively, crystalline quality. The tasting note highlighted the wine's energetic yet balanced nature, with a persistent finish that leaves a lingering buzz on the palate, showcasing its complexity and potential.

Wine Enthusiast gave it 96 points, noting aromas of black cherry and plum combined with clove and savory herbs, and describing it as elegant, refined, and full-bodied. The distinct minerality in the finish, reminiscent of chalk, adds to its allure.

James Suckling rated it 95 points, highlighting attractive aromas of dark raspberry jam and dried strawberries, combined with impressive concentration and a lovely dry finish that enhances its structure.

Vinous awarded it 94 points, noting its delicate style, with tart wild berry fruits enlivened by brisk acidity, and a finish that reveals fine tannins and admirable length.

Jancis Robinson awarded it 17.5 points, celebrating the bright cherry and blood-orange acidity alongside fragrant herbs, creating a beautifully resolved and appetising wine.

The Wine Advocate gave the 2018 La Poja 92 points, recognizing its ripe fruit, earthy notes, and the quality of the Corvina grape.

Overall, the 2018 La Poja is a beautifully crafted wine, showcasing the finesse and complexity that can be achieved from this beloved varietal, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated and expressive wine experience.

DECANTER 98 points
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle
(at Bordeaux, 01 Aug 2023) Part of Baudains: Giovanni Allegrini's revolutionary La Poja vineyard
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2048
Beautiful lifted scents on the nose; crushed rose petals, pink peppercorns, such incredible incense fragrance - alive, pure, concentrated and expressive - strawberries and blood orange. Crystalline and pure, upfront from the first sip - juicy and so lively but energetic too - incredibly forward and electric almost. Direct at first, then slowly expands, increasing in intensity, mass and flavour as it goes from start to finish. Leaves a lingering buzz on the tongue with softly spiced edges and a depth of red cherry and plum fruit that lasts and lasts. Utterly seductive and expansive, not especially demonstrative in terms of texture at the moment, more controlled and calm, it's all about the flavours and the intensity of the acidity that gives this such a thrill. Just hinting at its potential with brightness and verve. Tannins are integrated giving the frame and the flavour is nuanced and poised. Great freshness with balanced acidity. Feels well made with intention and such lovely drinking pleasure, a benefit of the slightly cooler vintage. A wine that makes you think, and then smile, and then drink! La Poja is Allegrini’s flagship single-vineyard red and sits at the summit of Podere La Grola. The Corvina vines were planted in 1979 on well-drained chalk and stony soils, and its first vintage was in 1983.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 96 points
Aromas of black cherry and plum combine with sandalwood, clove, allspice and savory herbs to woo you into the glass. Elegant, refined, structured and full in body, this wine is pure class. The dark-hued fruit flavors are integrated with the savory elements of the wine, where each plays a key role. The star of the show is on the finish where a distinct minerality reminiscent of chalk stands firm with a lift of acidity around it. — Jeff Porter

JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
Attractive aromas of dark raspberry jam, dried strawberries and figs with hints of dark chocolate, flowers and orange rind. Medium-to full-bodied with very silky tannins and lovely dryness to the mid-palate. Impressive concentration and length, showing a very long, persistent finish with juicy black cherries and bitter chocolate at the end. Nothing sweetish here. Drinkable now, but better after 2023.

VINOUS 94 points
The 2018 La Poja opens slowly in the glass as notes of crushed ashen stone and savory herbs give way to crushed cherries and blueberries. This is a decidedly delicate and finessed style. Brisk acidity enlivens its tart wild berry fruits as plum and dark chocolate notes evolve toward the close. The 2018 leaves a coating of fine tannins to linger, finishing with admirable length yet structured. Always a standout, La Poja is a varietal Corvina made entirely from fresh (not dried) grapes. - Eric Guido

JANCIS ROBINSON 17.5 points
Bright with Corvina's cherries, bright with blood-orange acidity and fragrance. Scarlet juiciness, crimson sweetness, jewelled clarity of fruit and then a delicious underbrush of wild thyme, dried oregano, juniper and tobacco. The tannins are long with gentle, muscular clench and very slight graininess. Beautifully resolved, fabulously fresh, very appetising. It's such a treat to taste varietal Corvina, which simply shines from this cool, high vineyard. (TC)

THE WINE ADVOCATE 92 points
Drink Date: 2023-2032
The Allegrini 2018 Corvina Veronese La Poja (with 14,000 bottles made) delivers lots of ripe fruit with baked cherry, plum and earthy notes of wet clay, terracotta and rusty nail. Monica Larner

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ABOUT ALLEGRINI
Allegrini is a prestigious winery located in the renowned Valpolicella region of Italy, renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional wines that embody the rich heritage and unique terroir of the area. Established in the 16th century, Allegrini has evolved from a small family estate into one of the leading producers in the region, known for its innovation, quality, and respect for tradition.

The estate encompasses vineyards situated on the rolling hills of Valpolicella, where the unique combination of microclimates, varied soil types, and excellent sun exposure creates optimal conditions for vine cultivation. Allegrini primarily focuses on indigenous grape varieties, including Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, which are essential to producing traditional Valpolicella wines, particularly the famous Amarone and Valpolicella Classico.

Allegrini is particularly celebrated for its Amarone della Valpolicella, a rich and powerful wine made from grapes that are partially dried to concentrate their flavours. The result is a wine with intense aromas of dark fruit, spices, and dried herbs, and a velvety texture that lingers on the palate. In addition to Amarone, the winery produces a range of other wines, including Valpolicella Classico, Palazzo della Torre, and Recioto, each showcasing the elegance and complexity characteristic of the region.

Innovation is a cornerstone of Allegrini’s philosophy, with the winery continuously exploring new techniques and approaches to enhance the winemaking process while remaining true to the traditions of Valpolicella. Their commitment to quality extends to sustainable practices, as the estate prioritizes environmentally friendly methods to protect the land and promote biodiversity in the vineyards.

With a legacy of excellence and a dedication to craftsmanship, Allegrini has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. Each bottle captures the essence of Valpolicella, inviting wine enthusiasts to explore the captivating flavours and aromas that define the region. Whether enjoyed with exquisite Italian cuisine or shared during special occasions, wines from Allegrini celebrate the artistry of winemaking and the richness of Italian heritage, offering a memorable experience with every sip.