Vinous awards Guerrieri Rizzardi wines: a tribute to quality and terroir

A new and prestigious recognition has arrived for Guerrieri Rizzardi wines.
The tasting was conducted by Eric Guido, journalist and Vinous’s Italian wine reviewer — one of the most respected wine publications in the world, especially in the United States.

In his latest report, Guido awarded outstanding scores to our labels, once again confirming the excellence of our wines and their deep connection to our values of family heritage, terroir, and craftsmanship.

Amarone: the deep soul of Valpolicella

The Calcarole Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2019 stood out with 95 points, a score that highlights its elegance, depth, and remarkable aging potential. This cru, produced in limited quantities (fewer than 7,000 bottles), is the purest expression of patience and precision.

“The 2019 Amarone Classico della Valpolicella Riserva Calcarole is darkly alluring. It slowly
evolves with nuances of dried violet, cedar spice box and crushed raspberries. This wine splashes
across the palate with an energetic mix of tart wildberry and salty mineral tones as hints of
dark chocolate embellish the close. The 2019 tapers off with excellent length and a pleasantly
chewy sensation as a cascade of inner florals resonates over a bitter tinge of clove.”

Close behind is the Villa Rizzardi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2020, awarded 94 points — the most classic of our Amarones, capturing the tradition of Valpolicella with balance and power.

“The 2020 Amarone Classico della Valpolicella Riserva bursts from the glass with a wildly fresh
bouquet of crushed black cherries, orange zest, sweet sage and wet stone. It is amazingly fresh
and spry, with a cascade of rosy inner florals and bright red berry fruits offset by a sour citrus
twang. The finish is long and gently tannic, leaving a tart tinge that keeps the palate
salivating.”

Ripasso Pojega and Clos Roareti: character and identity

With 93 points, the Clos Roareti Rosso Veronese 2021 confirms the enduring success of this distinctive “Super Venetian,” made exclusively in exceptional vintages.
A 100% Merlot from a walled vineyard in our Negrar di Valpolicella estate, it reflects Guerrieri Rizzardi’s independent spirit and forward-looking winemaking philosophy.

“The 2021 Rosso Clos Roareti, a varietal Merlot, mixes sweet herbs and wild blueberries with
nuances of tobacco and clove. It fleshes out across the palate with silky textures and plum red
and blue fruits underscored by crunchy mineral tones. Cool-toned and classic in feel, it leaves
crisp tannins and an air of lavender that lingers incredibly long. The balance here is fantastic.”

The Pojega Valpolicella Ripasso Classico 2023, awarded 92 points, represents the very essence of the Rizzardi style.
Refined, harmonious, and deeply connected to its terroir, Pojega is our most iconic and award-winning wine — gaining additional complexity through refermentation on Amarone pomace.

“The 2023 Pojega Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore wafts up with an understated mix of crushed stones, violets and blackberries. It is juicy in style, with ripe wildberry fruits supported by steely mineral tones. Excelling through its freshness, the 2023 finishes long and staining yet remains energetic as hints of tart raspberry fade.” 

From Lake Garda and Soave hills: a breath of freshness and minerality

From the Lake Garda slopes comes the Delara Montebaldo Bardolino 2023, which received 91 points for its freshness and distinct minerality.
Sourced from vineyards on the northern slopes of Monte Baldo, it captures the breezes and purity typical of the Garda terroir.

“The 2023 Montebaldo Bardolino Delara is wildly fresh, mixing blackberries with sage and violet
florals. It is cool-toned and perfumed throughout, blending wild blueberries with lavender and
crisp mineral tones. This tapers off crunchy and mouth-watering as a bump of residual acidity
maintains fantastic balance through the long finale. Beautifully done. I could easily mistake this
for Cru Beaujolais.”

Closing the list is Costeggiola Soave Classico 2024, awarded 90 points — a vertical and elegant white wine grown on limestone and volcanic soils, crafted from Garganega and Chardonnay grapes.
It is a symbol of balance between tradition and modernity.

“The 2024 Soave Classico Costeggiola mixes lime zest with sage, sour melon and crushed
stones. It is soft-textured yet lifted in feel, with a cascade of inner florals and citrus-infused pit
fruits that give way to a salty mineral core. Nuances of chamomile linger as this tapers off with
tension, leaving hints of sour citrus to fade slowly.”

A recognition rooted in place

The Vinous ratings reflect our daily dedication to the vineyards, meticulous winemaking, and the pursuit of authenticity and identity that guide our vision.

Each Guerrieri Rizzardi wine originates from a specific parcel of land — in Valpolicella, Bardolino, or Soave — and expresses the soul of its terroir with coherence, elegance, and timeless style.