Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 750ml
The King of Verona. A Powerful, Complex, and Monumental Italian Red. 🇮🇹
Amarone della Valpolicella is one of Italy's most prestigious and unique wines, hailing from the Valpolicella region near Verona in Veneto. It is distinguished by the traditional Appassimento method, where grapes are partially dried for up to 120 days after harvest, concentrating their sugars, flavours, and tannins.
The name "Amarone" translates to "big bitter," referencing the wine's powerful, dry finish, which sets it apart from its sweet relative, Recioto della Valpolicella. It is a mandatory blend of local grapes, primarily Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella.
Key Characteristics and Tasting Notes
- Colour: Intense, deep ruby red that develops into rich garnet with age.
- Aroma: A complex and intense bouquet of dried fruit (raisins, prunes, dried figs), sweet spice (vanilla, licorice, nutmeg), tobacco, cocoa, and dark cherry preserved in alcohol. The nose is often described as "ethereal" and fragrant.
- Taste: Full-bodied, robust, and velvety on the palate. It is a dry wine with high alcohol content (often 15% to 16.5%), but the concentrated fruit gives it a perception of warmth and sweetness. It features a great structure, firm but smooth tannins, and a long, persistent finish with hints of bitter almond or espresso.
Serving and Pairing
Amarone is a bold wine designed for contemplation and pairing with equally rich dishes.
- Serving Temperature: Best served slightly below room temperature, between 18°C and 20°C (or 64°F to 68°F).
- Decanting: Decanting for at least one hour is highly recommended to allow the wine to fully open up and express its complex aromas.
- Food Pairings:
- Meats: Game, slow-cooked red meats, braised beef, lamb shanks, and rich stews.
- Cheese: Very mature, aged, or strongly flavoured cheeses like aged Parmesan, Gorgonzola, or Pecorino.
- Dessert: Intriguingly, it pairs well with very dark, bittersweet chocolate.
Amarone has exceptional aging potential, often maturing gracefully for 10 to 15 years or more. It is a perfect choice for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift for a wine enthusiast.