Tag Archive for: Valpolicella

Marilisa Allegrini at La Poya vineyard, Allegrini, Valpolicella, Italy

Meet Marilisa Allegrini, wine women extraordinare…The Voice of Amarone.

 For this International Women’s Day, 108th Anniversary celebration we thought we would introduce you to one remarkable woman in our field. She is Marilisa Allegrini, CEO of Allegrini, one of the most respected and highly acclaimed wineries of Italy. It is located in the storied wine growing region of Valpolicella. Allegrini is world-renowned in particular for their exceptional production of the iconic wine Amarone. She is known as the “Voice of Amarone” and been often described as a “Wine Star”. 

 Marilisa is the first Italian woman wine producer to grace the cover of one of the most respected and famous wine magazines in the world, The Wine Spectator. Since the early 1980’s Marilisa has been traveling the world sharing her passion for both the wines of Allegrini and the region of Valpolicella. 

We had the opportunity to meet with the dynamic CEO of what today is regarded as one of the leading producers not only in this region but also in Italy as a whole.

We asked Marilisa to share with us the story behind Allegrini.

We learn that the Allegrini family has been involved with grape growing and winemaking since the 1500’s handing down grape growing and winemaking traditions over six generations.

Its roots lie in a small village Fumane de Valpolicella located just north of Verona. The family played a prominent role in the local community as one of the most important landowners, involved in agricultural work and upholding local traditions. “It was’, as she goes on to explain with great admiration, ”

how the intelligence and hard work of her father Giovanni an instinctive man with respect to the land and innovative winemaking practices was integral in earning the reputation Allegrini enjoys today”.

Allegrini Logo

We’d like to feature one very special lady today on these pages. She is Marilisa Allegrini, the CEO of the family owned and operated Azienda Agricola Allegrini. Established in 1854 although Marilisa maintains it was many centuries before that her family was involved in making wine. It is considered a premier, and one of the most revered, award wining wineries in the historical and storied wine region of Valpolicella, Italy, also home of the iconic wine Amarone. 

Listen to Marilisa Allegrini at 29:40 minutes in the show

The Wine Ladies private wine tasting with Marilisa Allegrini.
 We had the opportunity to meet Marilisa on a recent visit to Toronto. She is a very special lady indeed, a woman of  passion, and dedication, of brilliance and of grace. Here she shared with us a little history of Allegrini, the past, present and future. We also  talked about Marilisa’s role as CEO, the role of women in general in this industry, the challenges and the opportunities. 
Allegrini La Poja 2011
Allegrini La Poja 2011
Palazzo della Torre 2014
Palazzo della Torre 2014
International Women's Day
International Women’s Day

Zonta Celebrates International Women’s Day…Celebrating 108 years in 2019!

Marilisa Allegrini, the first Italian woman wine producer to grace the cover of Wine Spectator

Ask The Wine Ladies- Can you tell us about the Valpolicella,Veneto?

DEAR WINE LADIES,

We used to drink Valpolicella from Classico quite a few years back. Recently we came across one you mentioned on one of your shows. The Negrar Ripasso which we very much enjoyed. I’d like to know a little more about this wine and the region. Thank you Wine Ladies!

– Jackie

DEAR JACKIE,

Vino from Veneto…love the wines, love the region!  Valpolicella is a wine that comes from the region of Veneto, located in the north east of Italy, home of the “big gun” Amarone and Romeo and Juliet!

When a Valpolicella is classified as a Classico and done in the ripasso method, the wine reaches new heights in flavour, texture, body and aromatics! The designation of “classico” requires the grapes to come from the original Valpolicella production zone. In 1968 this zone was later adjusted.The great majority of grapes used are the same as for Amarone, the Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella varietals although small percentages of a few others are permitted.

The methodology of “ripasso” is an ancient wine making technique used for centuries in Valpolicella wineries, which gives the wine more structure, body and fuller flavour. How? Ripasso” literally means “re-passed”. Amarone is produced using  grapes that have been dried for several months. These same skins of those dried grapes are then used for the production of Valpolicella Ripasso. These dried grape skins add body, character, complexity and a boost of alcohol strength.

The Negrar Ripasso Valpolicella Classico is dark ruby red in colour, is seductive in the nose with lush blackberry and black licorice notes and a hint of spice Full bodied, velvety smooth, rich and with a good finish.

Negrar is a cooperative winery founded in 1933 and located in th Classico area of Valpolicella. With 210 farmers/partners producing typical grapes for Vapolicella on a surface of 530 hectares, they are one of the major producers of Amarone, Valpolicella and Ripasso wines.

www.thewineladies.com

As read in Community Captured

An Evening with Luca Speri – Alioli Ristorante – The Wine Ladies – May 13th, 2015

Luca Speri will lead us through a tasting of four of the Speri Viticoltori

Luca Speri will lead us through a tasting of four of the Speri Viticoltori

Join us May 13th for an exquisite evening of spectacular cuisine, incredible wines and an amazing night at the fabulous Alioli Ristorante  in Mississauga,Ontario.


To RSVP: Please call Alioli Ristorante and tell them The Wine Ladies sent you. Space is limited.Tickets $125.00 each.Taxes and gratuities extra.
(905) 281-1122

Alioli Ristorante  in Mississauga,Ontario

Alioli Ristorante  in Mississauga,Ontario

Since 1996, your hosts Massimo,Gianni, Alireza and their friendly professional staff have been welcoming guests and serving contemporary Italian cuisine set in an elegant, yet understated dining area.May 13th will be a vinous and culinary adventure to remember as they welcome Luca Speri of Speri Viticoltori of Valpolicella.With over 100 years of meticulous attention to the vineyards, Speri’s wine exhibits great flair its own unique and unmistakable style.

Luca Speri will lead us through a tasting of four of the Speri Viticoltori

Fabulous Finds For Foodies

Fabulous Finds For Foodies

 Alioli Ristorante this month’s The Wine Ladies Fabulous Finds For Foodies.

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