Producer

Buglioni

I have reviewed two wines from Buglioni, from the 2020 to 2023 vintages, across Valpolicella Ripasso and Lugana. Scores range from 90 to 90, averaging 90; the highest is the 2020 Buglioni “Il Bugiardo” Valpolicella Ripasso Classico (90 points).

Founded in 1993, Buglioni brings a fresh, dynamic energy to the historic Valpolicella Classico zone. What began as a family passion project has grown into a benchmark estate of 54 hectares, farmed organically and managed with meticulous care. The focus is on the native Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara, from a vibrant Valpolicella up to a commanding, deeply textured Amarone della Valpolicella.

The estate’s calling card is “Il Bugiardo” (The Liar), a Valpolicella Ripasso Classico that earned its name by fooling seasoned tasters into thinking it was a top-tier Amarone. In a category too often thin wine padded with residual sugar, it is the exception: deep and full of dry extract from its time on the Amarone skins, yet never fat, driven by a vertical spine of acidity.

Buglioni also makes a white on the southern shores of Lake Garda. “Gabriella” is a 100% Turbiana Lugana from chalky clay soils, zesty and bright, with white flowers, green apple, white peach and a classic almond finish.