Luigi Righetti, Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico, 2021

Luigi Righetti Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico is dark, dense and creamy with a hint of ripe tannins. Initially sweet, but not overly so, the palate blossoms into a mouthful of beautifully perfumed, ripe, juicy Morello cherries before the nicely judged acidity freshens the finish. Recioto's notes of cocoa, sweet berries and orange are a perfect complement to the finest quality dark chocolate and red fruit deserts. Try it with summer pudding or a chocolate marquise.

The sweetness and intense aromas of this Luigi Righetti Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico are entirely natural because the grapes are dried for several months before fermentation, concentrating their sugars and flavours. Compared with a Port, no spirit is added to stop the fermentation giving a lower alcohol level and a sweetness that is finely balanced with the refreshing acidity and the persistent but elegant fruit flavours.

Many red desert wines are made by blocking the fermentation with alcohol. This in turn gives a big kick and can mask the fruit flavours. This example is very finely fruited, elegant and refined with masses of dark fruit flavours. As well as deserts, you can enjoy this with some game dishes such as venison when cooked with black fruits.

• ❖ ABV: 13%