Welcome to the fascinating world of Amarone Wine, a prestigious dry red Italian wine, produced in the hills of Verona, in the Veneto region.
This wine is a gem of Italian winemaking, making Valpolicella and the surrounding hills a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts. Amarone della Valpolicella is a highly prestigious wine, appreciated worldwide for its unique characteristics.
Originating from the province of Verona, it evolved from the sweet Recioto, a wine already produced by the Ancient Romans from dried grapes.
The name Amarone, derived from the word bitter, was used to distinguish it from its “sweet half-brother.”
Origins and Recognitions
Only in 1968 did Amarone Wine receive the DOC – Controlled Designation of Origin recognition, and with it, commercialization.
More recently, in 2010, the Ministry of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Policies recognized it as DOCG – Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin.
This wine remains a niche product, produced in limited quantities to ensure its quality guarantee.
Production Area and Grape Varieties
Amarone Wine is produced exclusively in the province of Verona, specifically in several municipalities, but only five can aspire to the ‘classic’ label: Marano di Valpolicella, Negrar, Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, San Pietro in Cariano, Fumane.
The grape varieties used are several, and by regulation, Amarone must contain precise percentages of one rather than another.
Corvina Veronese is the main component (from 45% to 95%), followed by Rondinella to a lesser extent (from 5% to 30%), and other non-aromatic red grapes up to a maximum of 15%. The use of Corvinone can replace Corvina up to 50%.
Organoleptic Characteristics
Amarone is a red wine that presents itself with a lively color, characterized by garnet reflections that give the glass a captivating beauty.
On the nose, the scent is distinctive, with floral notes and intense hints of sour cherry, adding a pleasant sweetness. But the aroma doesn’t stop there, as the wine also offers a spicy bouquet, with nuances of spices like cloves and cardamom, enriching the olfactory experience.
On the palate, Amarone Wine offers an enveloping and warm taste, thanks to its high alcohol content that can reach 16-17 degrees. It is a dry and robust wine, with a pleasant velvety texture that envelops the palate. Its taste complexity is one of the distinctive traits of this wine, making it a truly special tasting experience.
Another interesting element of Amarone is its versatility. This wine can be enjoyed both young and after a period of aging. Over time, the wine develops greater harmony and softness, acquiring extraordinary depth and taste complexity.
From an oenological point of view, Amarone is characterized by medium-high acidity and modest tannicity, which help balance and structure the wine. These characteristics make it an excellent choice to pair with rich and flavorful dishes, such as significant meats and earthy dishes with pronounced sapidity.
In summary, Amarone Wine offers an extraordinary sensory experience: from its lively and inviting color, its intense and spicy bouquet, to the warm, robust, and velvety taste that envelops the palate.
Its ability to age over time and its versatility make this wine unique and valuable, loved by connoisseurs worldwide. With an alcohol content that can also reach 16-17 degrees, this wine is a true excellence of Italian winemaking.
Production and Refinement
The production of Amarone begins with the grape harvest, approximately between the second and third decade of September and the first week of October.
The grapes are then manually arranged on wooden supports to proceed with the drying. After three or four months, the grapes are pressed, and a slow fermentation begins at low temperature, for about 30/50 days.
If the transformation of sugars into alcohol is complete, the wine will fall under the definition of Amarone, also known as “bitter wine” according to the Regulation, with a maximum sugar content of 1.1 grams per liter.
Conversely, by stopping fermentation earlier, you will obtain the sweet brother Recioto, with a higher sugar residue. Amarone is suitable for aging, reaching its full maturity between 10 and 20 years.
In accordance with the Regulation, Amarone must complete a three-year aging period from the harvest before being put on the market.
Suggested Pairings
Amarone is such a noble wine that it does not require elaborate pairings. However, it pairs perfectly with meat-based dishes, especially those rich and flavorful, as well as cured meats and cheeses. A genuine delicacy from Valpolicella is the Amarone risotto, a culinary experience not to be missed.
Where to Buy Amarone
Amarone is a unique wine, a true gem of Italian winemaking. Its history, its characteristics, and its production process make it a wine of exceptional quality and intensity. If you are wine lovers, you cannot miss the experience of savoring a glass of Amarone.
We invite you to explore the Wine Shop of Piazza, available at the link Wine Shop of Piazza. This online Italian wine shop offers a selection of high-quality fine wines, making wine purchasing not only convenient but also a rewarding experience.
With a few clicks, you can explore and purchase a wide range of wines, including the precious Amarone Wine, comfortably from your home.
This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Italian wine and discover the hidden treasures of the Veronese hills.
