Speri is a family-owned winery based in the Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy. The estate has been producing wines from indigenous Veronese grape varieties for multiple generations, focusing primarily on the traditional red wines that have made Valpolicella famous. The winery operates vineyards in the classic Valpolicella zone, working with the region's characteristic blend of native grapes.

The Valpolicella DOC encompasses a hilly area northwest of Verona, where vineyards are planted on volcanic and limestone soils at elevations ranging from valley floors to hillside terraces. The region is renowned for its distinctive winemaking techniques, particularly the ripasso method, where Valpolicella wine undergoes a second fermentation on the dried grape skins left over from Amarone production. This process adds complexity, body, and deeper fruit flavors to the wine. Corvina, the dominant grape variety in Valpolicella blends, contributes bright cherry notes and natural acidity.

Speri's current range includes a Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC made from Corvina, representing the estate's interpretation of this traditional Veronese winemaking technique. The Superiore designation indicates wines with higher alcohol content and extended aging requirements compared to basic Valpolicella.

Veneto is located in northeastern Italy, stretching from the Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea, with Venice as its capital city. The region ranks among Italy's largest wine producers by volume, encompassing diverse terrain that includes Alpine foothills, flat plains, and the famous Valpolicella hills near Verona. Veneto's winemaking heritage spans centuries, with Roman settlements establishing many of the viticultural practices still used today.

The region benefits from a continental climate moderated by the Adriatic Sea and Lake Garda, creating conditions suitable for both sparkling and still wine production. Key appellations include Prosecco DOC and the prestigious Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG in the north, Soave DOC for white wines, and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Valpolicella DOC for reds. The varied topography ranges from volcanic soils in Soave to limestone and clay compositions in Valpolicella, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines.

Glera dominates sparkling wine production, particularly in Prosecco appellations where it creates wines ranging from bone-dry to off-dry styles. Red wine production centers on indigenous varieties like Corvina, often blended with Rondinella and Molinara in traditional Valpolicella blends. The region is distinctive for its appassimento technique, where grapes are dried to concentrate flavors for Amarone production, and for pioneering modern Prosecco methods that transformed a regional specialty into an internationally recognized sparkling wine style.

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG is located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, encompassing vineyards in the hills north of Verona. The appellation was granted DOCG status in 2010, elevating it from its previous DOC classification. The production zone includes the classical Valpolicella area and extends into parts of the broader Valpolicella region.

The wines are produced using the ancient appassimento method, where harvested grapes are dried on straw mats or wooden racks for several months to concentrate sugars and flavors before fermentation. The primary grape varieties are Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, which form the traditional Valpolicella blend. The drying process typically lasts from October through January, reducing the grapes' water content by 35-45%. This technique transforms what would otherwise be light, fresh wines into powerful, concentrated expressions.

Amarone wines are characterized by their intense concentration, high alcohol content typically ranging from 14-17%, and complex flavor profiles featuring dried fruit, chocolate, spice, and earthy notes. The extended drying period creates wines with remarkable depth and aging potential, often developing leather, tobacco, and mineral characteristics over time. Despite their richness, well-made Amarone maintains balance between sweetness, acidity, and tannins, resulting in wines that can age gracefully for decades.