June 9, 2022 - Amarone della Valpolicella

This tasting features three Amarone della Valpolicella wines -- rich, dry Italian reds from the Veneto region, and one superior red wine made in the traditional method from the same region.

Amarone is characterized by ripe, bold flavors and is produced primarily from the Corvina grape. Directly after harvest, the grapes are air dried through a process called “appassimento”, which allows them to shrivel into raisins. This concentrates the sugar and flavors in the grapes, producing a distinctive and full-bodied wine well-suited to aging.

It is often said that you can safely forget an Amarone in your wine cellar. Even average Amarones can be aged for 10-15 years. Depending on the vintage and aging technique, wines of exceptional quality can be enjoyed up to 30-50 years after bottling! 

• 2008 Zyme Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico

  • Located in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, this ancient sandstone quarry, dating back to the 15th century, serves as the very foundation stone of Zyme. Its bodily structure fashioned of natural stone, this is the magical cavern in which year after year the wines mature, finally entering the bottle.  On the nose you’ll find notes of ripe morello cherry, semi-dried plum, and spices. As the palate lengthens, delicate impressions of pepper, black licorice and cocoa powder come through.

• 2012 Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico   

  • The Farina family has roots in agriculture and winemaking tracing back to the beginning of the 16th century. Remo Farina was able to combine the most modern concepts in winemaking technology with ancient, time-tested methods to produce rich, elegant wines. Tasting reviews include a smooth wine with medium tannins, a little earthy, full bodied with a strong finish.  Aromas evoke cocoa, underbrush and mature black plum while the palate delivers the essence of prune, espresso and star anise with a brandy-like velvet palate.  

• 2012 Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico

  • Zenato is located in San Benedetto di Lugana, 15 miles west of Verona on the shores of the fascinating and oneiric Lake Garda. Founded in 1960 by Sergio and Carla Zenato, the winery is committed to producing affordable wines of exceptional quality. Ruby red in color, intoxicating aromas include dried black cherries, cassis, truffles, and on the palate silky, luscious, and complex features, ending with a lingering finish.

• 2012 Romano Dal Forno Valpolicella Superiore Vigneto di Monte Lodoletta

  • The 2102 Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore is on a par with some of the best wines in the world. Established in 1983, the winery is situated in the Valley of Illasi east of Verona. The nose translates as very rich and spicy, with hints of kirsch, sweet morello cherries, spice box, hazelnuts and vanilla beans along with dried dark cherry cake and lots of cedar, too. It exhibits a full body with sweet fruit, vibrant acidity, ripe and round tannins ending with a fruit-forward finish. This wine is a blend of 70% Corvina and Corvina Grossa, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, and 5% Oseleta.