Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

  • Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, 
  • Veneto, 
  • italy

Latest Awards

  • 92 points Wine Spectator , December 2022
  • 93 points Decanter , September 2022
Background

Bertani’s impact on Veneto wine making, particularly in Amarone production, is so considerable that ‘Bertani’ and ‘Amarone’ are nearly synonymous. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of their past, Bertani strives towards innovation, using progressive techniques and equipment allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for tradition to provide wines of uncompromising quality.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

The grapes come from the Tenuta Novare vineyards at Arbizzano di Negrar, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica area. Their 550 acre vineyards are covered with calcareous-marl soils and are devoted exclusively to the production of Amarone. The vines are vertical-trellised and Guyot trained, with a planting density of 2,025 vines per acre. The vintage was marked by a rainy winter followed by early budding with above average temperatures and long rainless periods. The summer months of June and July had normal rains which guaranteed proper development of the bunches. Harvesting began early September with almost no rain and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Winemaking & Aging

After careful bunch selection, the grapes are taken to drying lofts and laid in a single layer on arèle -- bamboo racks. They remain here for about 120 days, losing up to 60% of their water content. In mid-January the grapes are destemmed and crushed. Maceration at 40°F for about 20 days, then a slow fermentation starts – about 30 days in concrete vats at a maximum temperature of 64°F. The wine was aged in large Slavonian oak barrels, with an average capacity of 60 hl, for about seven years, followed by bottle maturation for at least 12 months.

Tasting Notes

A complex nose of dried cherry accented by walnuts and coffee which lead to wild herb, spices and a floral note. A full-bodied palate with intense fruit, well-balanced with firm tannins which lead to a long, lingering finish. This pairs well with red meat, game, mature cheeses, but it is also perfect as a meditation wine at the end of a meal.

97
Points

Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. It’s very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold. - J.S.

James Suckling - November 2019

94
Points

**One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. The 2011 vintage was challenging, with a warm and rainy summer, but overall it was very good – Bertani isn’t averse to skipping a vintage if it’s not at the top level. Bright garnet in the glass, this is dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. The fresh character is intense, with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with slightly rustic tannins yet outstanding balance between suppleness and structure. - Drinking Window 2021 - 2040. - A.F.

Decanter - March 2021

93
Points

The 2011 vintage produced outstanding, powerful wines in Valpolicella. Summer was variable, but harvest was carried out in good conditions. Still bright ruby in colour, then a plummy nose possessing raspberry, black pepper, dates and sucrosity alongside balsamic touches and deep eucalyptus. Dense, velvety palate which is firm, extracted, powerful and sticky on the finish. Warming if not burning, with crisp acidity. Currently lacks refinement, harmony and elegance, but the power is there for ageing.

Decanter - September 2022

92
Points

A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with a range of black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031. -A.N.

Wine Spectator - December 2022

Appellation

Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

grape varieties

80% Corvina Veronese; 20% Rondinella

Sizes

750ml

technical details
  • ABV: 15.4%
  • Closure: Cork
  • Vegan
winemaker

Andrea Lonardi

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