The Allegrini family has been crafting the tradition of winemaking in Italy’s Valpolicella region for over 170 years. Now, as the seventh generation takes the reins, Allegrini Wines is redefining its focus toward producing a selection of higher-quality wines. With renewed energy, ingenuity, and a deep respect for tradition, Francesco, Giovanni, Matteo and Silvia Allegrini are pushing the family’s winemaking legacy to new heights, positioning Allegrini as a hallmark brand bringing the best of Veneto wines to global consumers.
A Future of Quality
Allegrini’s recent pivot emphasizes a clear vision: producing wines with the finest quality. This shift comes at a time when the global wine market is increasingly competitive, and consumers are shifting drinking habits. Italian wine production overall has fallen, but its quality has not. Last year, France overtook Italy as the top producer of wine in the world yet Italian exports are on the rise, growing by 7% this year. Allegrini Wines is at the forefront of these trends. Rather than expanding production, the Allegrini family is narrowing its focus, concentrating on the vineyards and winemaking techniques that yield the most exceptional wines.
Allegrini Wines aims to take the best of Valpolicella to the world. Just east of Lake Garda, Valpolicella is one of the most prestigious wine growing districts in Italy with ancient winegrowing roots. The name itself ‘val polis cellae’ means ‘valley of many cellars’ and its hills are steeped in history, culture and relics of the Renaissance. A majority of Allegrini wines are exported, allowing the increasingly sophisticated global markets to explore the best of Valpolicella wines.
Francesco, Giovanni, and Matteo, the fresh faces of this iconic family winery, are committed to upholding their legacy while embracing innovation. Their passion for sustainability, precision, and excellence drives the entire production process—from vineyard management to bottling. It’s this blend of tradition and modernity that elevates Allegrini Wines as one of the top producers in Veneto.
The Wines of Allegrini
Impact Wealth Magazine tasted four Allegrini wines with the next generation of Allegrini at Ai Fiori in New York. Each wine is curated to highlight the unique terroirs of the region. From the bold and structured Amarone to the fresh and vibrant Lugana, each bottle represents a harmonious balance between respect and understanding of the land and cutting edge viticulture.
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
The star of Allegrini Wines is the legendary Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, a wine that has set the standard for drinkability in this style. Amarone is made using the ancient appassimento method, where 100% of the grapes are dried before fermentation to concentrate flavors. Allegrini’s Amarone is a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta that delivers layers of dark fruit, spice, and a lingering finish. Aged for 18 months in large Slavonian casks, this Amarone is a true expression of the Valpolicella terroir and a hallmark of Allegrini’s focus on quality. The 2020 vintage is particularly impressive.
La Grola Veronese IGT
La Grola is another standout wine that brings together two of the main grapes of the Valpolicella Classica – Corvina and Oseleta. This single vineyard wine comes from the iconic La Grola vineyard, bought in 1979 by Giovanni Allegrini who saw potential in its unique and favorable microclimate. With a perfect balance of fruit and tannins, La Grola offers a deep ruby red color and a broad and enveloping scent. It is both fresh and intense on the palate, with hints of blackcurrant, tobacco and coffee.
Lugana DOC ‘Oasi Mantellina’
The Allegrini family’s move into white wines has been equally impressive, as demonstrated by their Lugana DOC ‘Oasi Mantellina’. Venturing outside Valpolicella, nearby Lugana DOC is famous for its white wines. Oasi Mantellina is made primarily from Turbiana grapes with a touch of Cortese. This wine is a fresh and vibrant expression of the Lugana region near Lake Garda. The grapes are manually harvested in September, bringing perfectly ripe white fruit, peaches and fresh floral notes to the wine. The result is a rich yet refreshing wine.
Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT
If you are new to Valpolicella’s classic Amarone, Palazzo della Torre is a great place to start. Allegrini’s Palazzo della Torre is crafted using a smaller portion of dried grapes, that still brings the richness and complexity similar to Amarone, but with a more approachable style. It has become one of the most popular wines in Allegrini’s portfolio, praised for its versatility and value.
The Allegrini Family’s Commitment to Sustainability
As they elevate the quality of their wines, the Allegrini family’s love for the land has resulted in a commitment to sustainability. Their vineyards are carefully managed to preserve biodiversity, and their winemaking techniques are designed to reduce the environmental impact.
The family’s new Tenuta Merigo project is a testament to their dedication to both quality and sustainability. This state-of-the-art winery, currently under construction, will serve as the new hub for production, incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance both the winemaking process and environmental stewardship. With its completion, the Allegrini family will not only have the capacity to produce wines of even greater precision but will also offer visitors an immersive experience in the world of Allegrini wines.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Allegrini Winery
As they continue to refine their approach to winemaking, the Allegrini family is poised to remain at the forefront of Italian wine production. Francesco, Giovanni, Matteo and their cousin Silvia represent the future of the winery, bringing new energy and ideas while staying true to the values that have guided their family for seven generations.
