VAONA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2023, Italy

Opened this with pizza and was surprised how well the light herbal notes balanced the acidity against the tomato sauce. The cherry flavors come through clearly without being too sweet. Exactly what I wanted for a casual weeknight dinner.

For a weeknight pasta, the cherry and raspberry notes came through nicely without being too heavy, and the acidity cut through the tomato sauce just right. It’s a solid, easy-drinking red that works for casual meals.

The acidity really carries the cherry and raspberry notes nicely, and it held up well against a spread of salami and pizza last Friday. Only knock is it finishes a bit quick, but at this price it's a solid weeknight pour.