Corvina
Originally from Veneto, Italy
Corvina is the backbone of Valpolicella and Amarone, from the hills north of Verona. On its own it makes a pale, light-bodied red with high acidity, modest tannin, sour cherry fruit and a characteristic bitter-almond finish. Its thick skins are what make it exceptional for appassimento, the drying of grapes on racks that concentrates them into Amarone, so the same grape yields both one of Italy's lightest reds and one of its most powerful. It is almost always blended with Corvinone, Rondinella and sometimes Molinara and Oseleta.
Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella are the primary grape varieties used in the production of Valpolicella wines, contributing to their characteristic cherry and red fruit flavors, often with a hint of bitterness.
Taste profile
Where Corvina is grown
Food pairings
Notable Corvina wines
Massimago
Red WineMassimago · Valpolicella
Torre del Falasco Amarone della Valpolicella
Red WineCantina Valpantena · Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella
RedZonin · Valpolicella
Drink 2026–2035
Amarone
Dry Red WineTommasi · Verona
92 Wine Spectator
Drink 2024–2035
Similar grapes
Corvina FAQ
What is Corvina?
Corvina is a red wine grape that originated in Veneto, Italy. Corvina is the backbone of Valpolicella and Amarone, from the hills north of Verona. On its own it makes a pale, light-bodied red with high acidity, modest tannin, sour cherry fruit and a characteristic bitter-almond finish. Its thick skins are what make it exceptional for appassimento, the drying of grapes on racks that concentrates them into Amarone, so the same grape yields both one of Italy's lightest reds and one of its most powerful. It is almost always blended with Corvinone, Rondinella and sometimes Molinara and Oseleta.
What are the characteristics of Corvina?
On the palate it reads as medium-bodied, medium-plus acidity, medium tannin. Structurally: body 3/5, acidity 4/5, tannin 3/5, sweetness 1/5.
Is Corvina sweet?
Corvina is almost always vinified bone dry, so expect no perceptible sugar in the glass.
What does Corvina taste like?
Think of it as a medium-bodied red. Corvina is the backbone of Valpolicella and Amarone, from the hills north of Verona. On its own it makes a pale, light-bodied red with high acidity, modest tannin, sour cherry fruit and a characteristic bitter-almond finish. Its thick skins are what make it exceptional for appassimento, the drying of grapes on racks that concentrates them into Amarone, so the same grape yields both one of Italy's lightest reds and one of its most powerful. It is almost always blended with Corvinone, Rondinella and sometimes Molinara and Oseleta.
What food pairs with Corvina?
Reach for Corvina alongside Braised beef, Aged Parmigiano, Mushroom risotto, Cured meats, Game.
Where is Corvina grown?
You will find its finest expressions in Valpolicella, Veneto, Verona, Bardolino.
What grapes are similar to Corvina?
If you enjoy Corvina, try Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera. Shares sour cherry fruit and high acidity.
Find Corvina wines in SomeWine
Scan any bottle to identify the grape, get tasting notes, and discover pairings.
Get SomeWine