Wines of Le Ragose, Valpolicella

An amazing story of understanding potential, maintaining a vision and belief: without this winery we wouldn't have the Valpolicella we have today.

The "First Lady of Wine", Marta Galli and her husband Arnaldo, bought this abandoned 70-acre estate in the town of Negrar in 1969. Deserted because it was deemed too difficult to farm on account of the steep slopes, the Galli family believed that it was these very slopes that were key to unlocking Valpolicella's highest levels. Farming virtually sustainably and organically from since the early 70s, the successive generations have proven the family to be visionary and totally correct.

Set on steep slopes over 350 metres above sea-level, the grapes ripen evenly, above the fog-line of the lower plains where bulk Valpolicella is made. This is a site that has nurtured the family's prodigious reputation over the past five decades; using vines that were already in existence and replanting when necessary, they have built a network of vineyards that is the envy of the region.

Their wines are almost uniformly fermented to dryness, with residual sugars kept to a balancing minimal role, preferring richness of body from phenolic ripeness, lengthy macerations and a maturing that can take years, depending in the wine that each harvest yields. Amarones often age for more than a decade before release and Ripassos are always balanced for consumption on purchase, while the Valpolicella is charming and fresh but without the sappy greenness that others grown in less favourable sites have to endure.

The quality certainly comes from the hands of the makers, the privileged aspect of the grapes and the Valpolicella region itself. As Dr. Paolo Galli, Arnaldo and Marta's son, puts it: "The quality of a wine is a concept that is inseparable from the place of origin of the grapes and the people who produce it". It is clear that in the case of Le Ragose, the quality of the place of origin is perfectly matched by the quality of those who look after it.

These are sensational wines: soaring quality levels and as authentic an expression of their terroir as you could ever desire to experience.

Customer reviews

★★★★★

Excellent service, lovely wine, choosing online is so easy with Chris’ excellent tasting notes and the fun of opening a wine for the first time adds to the experience.

Gerry R

★★★★★

I ordered some sparkling Cava from Chris which arrived so promptly! A really delicate delicious wine that I haven't seen anywhere else. A great selection of quality wines at really good prices!

A. O'Neill

★★★★★

I must say the wine list here is amazing. Top quality and what I like the most is a rich info on every presented bottle. Pure example when someone puts their heart and knowledge into it. I had a few Burgundy ones and they were delicious! Superb packaging and delivery as well.

Bosnae

★★★★★

My first purchase with Allotment and it was a really positive experience - from their website, product range , price range and professional follow up.

Anne K.

★★★★★

I stumbled across this wine merchant while searching online for a particular Spanish wine. I'm glad I did as I discovered an excellent selection of wines from that country, as well as from other regions, all at competitive prices. Excellent personal service and prompt delivery made for a great overall experience. Highly recommended

John H.

★★★★★

The owner Chris provides an incredible customer experience. After I had ordered online, he contacted me separately to offer additional insights into all the wines I had chosen and to give me a voucher for next time.

Sean G

★★★★★

A great experience ordering from The Allotment Wine Company. A wide variety of wines to try something new and at good prices with super quick delivery! Really convenient too as opposed to trying to find parking!

Nicola D.

★★★★★

Good range of interesting wines. Good personal attention to their orders. Very customer focused. I would be happy to recommend this company to any prospective customer.

Jim D

★★★★★

Wonderful wines from a wonderfully wise wine man! Have discovered some cracking vino thanks to Chris’ educational and entertaining videos and can’t wait to try more. My favourite kind of special delivery!

Kate W.

Hi, I'm Chris Gifford.

Welcome to The Allotment Wine Co.

When you buy wines from The Allotment Wine Co. you're supporting a small Irish business which in turn supports small, sustainable wine producers, as well as other small, dedicated Irish wine importers.

When selecting wines, I look for partners who share a deep respect and connection with the land and its traditions, witnessed in a firm commitment to quality and sustainability. All of which makes for better wines.