Even the low-end 2012 Valpolicella Classico shows the Midas touch of Franco Scamperle. The wine delivers its easy-drinking simplicity with confidence and pizzazz: Bright fruit tones wrap tightly around the palate, ending with a refreshing note of acidity. You could pair this wine with toasted bruschetta spread thick with black olive pate. Drink 2014-2017. Franco Scamperle’s Amarone Pergole Vece is one of the best Valpolicella wines on the market today. Only made in the best vintages from old vines, it sees a longer appassimento and oak regime to increase the wine’s distinctive intensity. Pergole Vece ranks high on my list of personal favorites, but unfortunately I have seen the wine’s retail price creep up suddenly the past few years. Importer: Vias Imports, www.viaswine.com