Corte Giara

Corte Giara is the estate label of the Allegrini family, established in 1989 to deliver contemporary, approachable expressions of Veneto's classic varieties. Based in the hills of Valpolicella, the producer now farms all its own vineyards—a shift from its origins as a négociant—and sources additional grapes from a trusted network of local growers. The critical difference: Corte Giara wines carry the same attention to detail that made Allegrini's Valpolicella reputation, but at a more accessible price point and with genuine commitment to eco-conscious viticulture across every bottle.

About Corte Giara

The estate's red vineyards sit at 180–250 metres on the south-east-facing hillsides of Colline di Grezzana, Montorio and Marcellise in the Valpolicella zone. These chalky, well-drained soils and pergola training with around 3,000 vines per hectare create the conditions for Corvina to develop its signature juicy freshness and supple tannin profile that defines Corte Giara's red wines. The vines average 31 years in age, pruned conservatively to 14–15 buds per fruiting cane to concentrate flavour.

The Pinot Grigio is sourced from vineyards around Lake Garda, where the cooler microclimate and gravelly soils produce clean, vibrant whites with striking clarity and lift—a marked contrast to heavier regional styles. Throughout production, the Allegrini family oversees a sustainability framework that eliminates herbicides and pesticides, monitors water use rigorously, and extends to lightweight glass bottles and environmentally mindful packaging. This is not greenwashing; it is built into the vineyard routine and the winery floor.

Winemaking philosophy centres on letting the fruit and terroir speak. The 2022 Amarone della Valpolicella, for instance, came from a challenging vintage—a cold winter followed by an early growing season and severe summer heat required precise canopy management and emergency irrigation. Despite below-average yields, the fruit retained concentration and complexity, earning 91 points from James Suckling. The Valpolicella Ripasso and entry-level Valpolicella both deploy the same careful sourcing and handling, ensuring consistency from flagship to daily-drinking tiers.

Corte Giara Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 2022 Amarone della Valpolicella (91pts James Suckling), a rich, intense red built on Corvina and Rondinella grapes from the highest hillside sites. This is the wine for serious reds with bottle age potential—complex, structured, and rewarding. If you prefer immediate drinkability, the 2023 Valpolicella Ripasso (89pts) offers the depth and warmth of Amarone's appassimento process without the wait or the price; it pairs brilliantly with game and slow-cooked meats. For lighter occasions, the 2024 Bardolino (89pts) is a perfumed, silky red—cherry-forward and refreshing—that works at lunch or with roasted poultry. On the white side, both the 2025 and 2022 Pinot Grigio delle Venezie (89pts each) deliver green, flinty minerality and serve as dry aperitifs or with seafood and white fish. All six wines in our range score 89 points or above, reflecting the estate's consistency across styles and price bands.

Food Pairing

The Amarone demands rich game, beef stew, and aged hard cheeses; it can age 10+ years. Ripasso suits braised lamb, wild boar ragù, and mushroom risotto. Bardolino is perfect with roasted chicken, light pasta dishes, and cured meats. Pinot Grigio shines with oysters, white fish, risotto, and fresh goat cheese. The mineral, clean profile cuts through cream-based sauces without overwhelming delicate seafood.

Why does Corte Giara cost less than other Allegrini wines?

Corte Giara was founded in 1989 as Allegrini's second label to offer approachable versions of Veneto classics. Both estates share the same family expertise and attention to detail, but Corte Giara sources from a broader network and uses a commercial model designed for broader accessibility.

Are these wines organic or biodynamic?

Corte Giara follows eco-conscious viticulture: no herbicides or pesticides, monitored water use, and sustainable packaging. While not officially certified organic, the vineyard practices reflect genuine environmental commitment aligned with that standard.

How long can the Amarone age?

The 2022 Amarone della Valpolicella is structured for long-term cellaring of 10+ years. The concentrated fruit, tannin profile, and high alcohol from the appassimento process provide the framework for graceful evolution in bottle.

Who makes Corte Giara wines?

Corte Giara is the estate label of the Allegrini family, established in 1989. Based in the hills of Valpolicella in Veneto, the producer now farms its own vineyards and sources additional grapes from a trusted network of local growers.

What style of wine does Corte Giara make?

Corte Giara makes contemporary, approachable Veneto classics. Reds focus on Corvina with supple tannins and juicy freshness; whites are clean Pinot Grigio from Lake Garda with striking clarity. The 2022 Amarone scored 91 points.

How much does Corte Giara wine cost?

Corte Giara wines range between £11.80 and £36.60. Entry whites start near £12; everyday reds span £12–£18; the premium Amarone is £36.60. All deliver quality at accessible prices.