Traditional Valpolicella, and especially its big brother Amarone della Valpolicella, are large-scaled, muscular wines, with dark fruit flavors like fig and black cherry, as well as spice, and leather notes.
But... not this one. I should have known from the smile on the face of the knowledgeable wine rep I buy this from. This wine is anything but dark and heavy. It's floral and mostly red-fruited, with really silky tannins. Like great red Burgundy, it packs quite a lot of flavor on a light frame.
Live and learn. This is an absolute delight. 85% Corvina, 15% Rondinella. Would be great with cured meats, but really any meat or poultry dish will do. Definitely serve something else if it's pizza night. Serve cool.