Description
James Suckling Review
Rated 92
An elegant wine with aromas of restrained dark fruit, earth, chocolate and black pepper, then flavors of blackberries and blood oranges. Medium-bodied, very savory and smoky, it shows firm structure and balance. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.
Novaia Recioto della Valpolicella Classico "Le Novaje" DOCG 2022 - 500ml
Sweet. Velvety. Volcanic elegance in a half bottle.
The 2022 "Le Novaje" Recioto from Novaia is a single-vineyard, organically farmed dessert wine grown at 320 meters in Marano di Valpolicella. Crafted from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and other native grapes, this wine undergoes a natural drying process for 140 days in a traditional fruttaio before slow fermentation and aging in wood. The result is a rich, velvety red with residual sugar, layered aromatics, and a long, elegant finish.
- Appellation: Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG Classico
- Vineyard: "Le Novaje" - 1.5 ha, south/southeast exposure
- Elevation: 320 meters
- Soil: Marly with clay and limestone layers
- Grapes: 50% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella
- Farming: Certified Organic
- Drying Process: 140 days in hillside fruttaio at 400m
- Fermentation: 40-50 days in stainless steel with cold maceration and "cold technology"
- Aging: 12 months in wood + 6 months in bottle
- ABV: 13%
- Bottle Size: 500ml
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Red fruits, underbrush, coffee, bitter chocolate, and spice.
Palate: Sweet and velvety with notes of fruit jam, vanilla, and dried herbs.
Finish: Long, warm, and elegant with persistent aromatic depth.
Why You'll Love It
- Single-vineyard Recioto from volcanic soils in Valpolicella Classica
- Crafted with traditional drying and fermentation techniques
- Certified organic and aged for complexity
- Perfect for pairing with chocolate desserts, dried fruit, foie gras, or aged cheeses
Novaia "Le Novaje" Recioto 2022 is a luxurious, small-format dessert wine that captures the soul of Valpolicella's ancient winemaking tradition - ideal for gifting, pairing, or savoring slowly.
PAIR IT WITH
How To Serve
- Temperature Matters: Serve whiskey and bourbon at room temperature, vodka chilled, and tequila slightly cool to preserve aroma and balance.
- Choose the Right Glass: Use a rocks glass for whiskey, a flute or coupe for sparkling spirits, and a tulip or snifter for aged liquors.
- Don’t Rush the Pour: Allow spirits to breathe for a few moments before tasting — it softens alcohol notes and opens complex flavors.
- Savor with Intention: Sip slowly, appreciate aroma before taste, and pair thoughtfully with food or fine company.