Tasting Notes

The 1996 Allegrini La Grola reflects the estate's pioneering approach to elevating Valpolicella through carefully selected hillside fruit and meticulous élevage. Although comprehensive vintage commentary is limited, professional reviews consistently describe a classically structured wine built for development rather than immediate appeal.

The highest verified published review comes from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, which noted perfumed aromas of raspberry, blackberry, violet and dried herbs, leading to a firmly structured palate layered with dark berry fruit, dark chocolate and espresso.

Tanzer concluded that it was "rather uncompromising… in need of patience," a concise assessment that captures the wine's youthful austerity and serious architecture. Bright ruby in appearance, the wine combines vibrant acidity with fine tannic grip, maintaining freshness and precision through a long, savoury finish.

Contemporary Wine Spectator notes likewise highlighted its refined craftsmanship, berry and cherry fruit accented by mint, fine tannins and a polished finish, reinforcing its reputation as an elegant, cellar-worthy expression of La Grola.