Overview
One of the world's most unique wines. Grapes are laid on bamboo racks (arele) for 3–4 months to dry (appassimento), concentrating sugars and flavours. The resulting wine is fermented to dryness — 16–17% alcohol — producing a wine of staggering richness, dark chocolate, cherry and bitter almond complexity. Amarone was 'invented' when a Recioto (sweet version) was accidentally fermented to dryness in the 1930s.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Deep purple
- Nose
- Dark cherry, Dried plum, Fig, Tobacco and Dark chocolate.
- Palate
- The most powerful dry red — dried grapes, 17% alcohol, iron will. Generally very full-bodied, medium acidity, firm tannins, dry, with a very long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Very Full5/5
Tannins Firm4/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Very High5/5
Grapes
CorvinaRondinellaMolinaraOseleta
Aromas And Notes
Dark cherryDried plumFigBlack chocolateRaisinTobaccoDark chocolateSpiceLeatherGameCoffeeTarDried flowers
Terroir
Continental Veronese hills — Lake Garda moderates temperature. Cold winters essential for vine rest.
LimestoneVolcanic basaltClay-chalkAlluvial
Food Pairings
Braised beef with polentaAged ParmigianoAmarone risottoWild boarTruffle
Notable Producers
- Dal Forno Romano, founded 1983 - Amarone della Valpolicella
- Quintarelli Giuseppe, founded 1924 - Amarone Classico Riserva
- Allegrini, founded 1854 - Amarone della Valpolicella Classico