What is an example of a dry passito wine?

Amarone della Valpolicella DOC is an excellent example of a dry passito wine. This style of wine is made from partially dried grapes, typically Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, which are harvested and then dried to concentrate their sugars and flavors before fermentation. During fermentation, the process often results in a high alcohol content and a dry finish, as most of the residual sugar is converted to alcohol, making it a dry wine.

The key characteristic of Amarone is its complex flavor profile, which can include notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and spices, attributed to the appassimento process (the drying of the grapes). This technique allows for greater concentration of flavors and intensity, distinguishing Amarone as a premium wine style within the Valpolicella region of Italy.

In contrast, the other options listed either represent different wine styles or are not classified as dry. For example, Recioto della Valpolicella DOC is specifically known for being a sweet wine produced from the same grape varieties used for Amarone, highlighting the contrast in sweetness levels between the two.