The area was awarded DOC status in 1960 and Amarone dell Valpolicella became a DOCG in 2010.
Corvina, Rondinella & Molinara are the most widely planted red varieties with Corvina dominating. Wines here have savoury cherry flavours, with a bitter twang, characteristic of the Corvina grape. The styles of wine crafted here range from lighter to full bodied and brooding: Valpolicella, Valpolicella Superiore and Amerone. Recitio is a sweet style. Valpolicella is made from fresh must and is medium bodied with vibrant fruit content. Valpolicella Superiore is, in theory, made from fresh must but often emboldened with refermented skins in the ripasso method. Amerone and Recitio are made using partially dried grapes in the passito method, this concentrates the sugars and flavours. Traditionally the wines can reach 16% alcohol and are the antithesis of concentrated, opulent wines with rose petal, raisin and cherry jam flavours.
The Continental climate is present; hot summers and cold winters. Lake Garda's influence is felt, with a warm/humidifying effect, while the Lessini mountains provide cooling breezes in the summer. Soils are very varied, ranging from calcareous, volcanic basalt, clay rich and alluvial. These variances impact on the available nutirents to the vines and their water holding and drainage capacities.