Corvina (core-VEE-na)

Considered the most important red grape in the blends that make the well-known Italian wines amarone and Valpolicella in the Veneto. Probably originated in the area around Verona; one of its parents is refosco dal peduncolo rosso (refosco with the red stem). The name corvina may derive from corvo (“crow,” a reference to the color of the grapes). Usually blended with its progeny rondinella and with molinara.