Corvina vs Rondinella
Corvina
A high-acid Veneto red grape known for sour cherry, used in Valpolicella and Amarone.
- Sour cherry
- High acidity
- Bitter almond
Recognize it
High acidity and sour cherry are common clues, often with a bitter almond note on the finish. Lighter Valpolicella styles can be pale and light-bodied, while Amarone becomes much fuller through dried-grape production.
Rondinella
A thick-skinned Veneto red grape with relatively quiet aroma, used with Corvina in Valpolicella blends.
- Red cherry
- Medium tannin
- Herbal note
Recognize it
Light to medium body with medium tannin and low to medium acidity. The aroma is quieter than Corvina, with red cherry and a herbal note.
How they compare
- SimilarBoth are Valpolicella blending grapes with red-cherry fruit.
- DifferenceCorvina has more acidity and more aromatic character; Rondinella is quieter.