Romano Dal Forno winery
Romano Dal Forno is a celebrated winemaker from the Valpolicella region in Veneto, Italy, whose name has become synonymous with uncompromising quality and innovation in Italian wine. Born into a family of grape growers, Romano took over his family’s estate in the early 1980s with a vision to elevate Valpolicella wines to new heights. Inspired by legendary producer Giuseppe Quintarelli, Dal Forno set out to transform traditional practices, meticulously replanting his vineyards with higher density, lower-yielding vines, and introducing rigorous grape selection methods. His estate, located near the village of Cellore d’Illasi, covers around 25 hectares, primarily planted to Corvina, Rondinella, and Croatina, the classic grapes of the region.
Dal Forno’s approach in both the vineyard and winery is defined by obsessive attention to detail. He limits yields to a fraction of the regional average, ensuring only the best fruit is used. Grapes destined for his flagship Amarone and Valpolicella wines are handpicked and then dried in specially designed, temperature-controlled rooms, a process known as appassimento, which concentrates flavors and sugars. In the cellar, Dal Forno employs state-of-the-art technology alongside traditional methods, including extended maceration and aging in new French oak barriques, resulting in wines of remarkable depth, structure, and longevity.
The estate produces a small range of wines, most notably Amarone della Valpolicella, Valpolicella Superiore, and a rare Recioto. Dal Forno’s Amarone is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and complex examples of the style, characterized by intense dark fruit, chocolate, spice, and a velvety, almost monumental texture. The Valpolicella Superiore, far from the light and simple wines often associated with the appellation, is dense, richly layered, and capable of aging for decades. The Recioto, a sweet wine made from partially dried grapes, is produced in even smaller quantities and is prized for its balance of opulence and freshness.
Romano Dal Forno’s relentless pursuit of excellence has had a profound impact on the reputation of Valpolicella wines, setting new benchmarks for quality and inspiring a new generation of winemakers. His wines are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide, often allocated and difficult to find due to their limited production. Despite his international acclaim, Dal Forno remains deeply rooted in his local terroir, continuing to work closely with his family and a small team to craft wines that express both tradition and innovation.
In addition to his winemaking achievements, Dal Forno is known for his humility and dedication to continuous improvement. He regularly experiments with new techniques and is unafraid to challenge conventions if it means making a better wine. This spirit of innovation, combined with a deep respect for the land and heritage of Valpolicella, has cemented the estate’s place among the world’s elite wine producers. Romano Dal Forno’s legacy is one of passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to producing some of Italy’s most extraordinary wines.