Located north of Verona and close to the shores of Lake Garda, the Valpolicella wine region is the birthplace of one of Italy's greatest and most renowned wines, Amarone. As a province that is attached to its roots, Valpolicella and its consortium of producers are scrupulous in their care for the wine heritage of this appellation area. With autochthonous grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella, the producers offer a range of wines that can be found not only on local tables but also in the world's greatest restaurants. The Amarone is a wine that we recommend you to taste and to be sure to choose the right bottle, Alfavin.ch gives you some advice. To learn more about this wine, feel free to read our article "How is Amarone produced?"
How to choose an Amarone wine?
Choosing a bottle is not complicated in itself; however, when it comes to Amarone, there are a few principles that should be respected. Not because Amarone is a wine that is more deserved than another, but simply because its particular taste makes it better to taste certain types of Amarone before others. Here we explain why.
With a passerillage method that serves to dry the grapes to concentrate the aromas and give them more sugars and therefore alcohol potential, Amarone is both a smooth and powerful wine. It always shows complexity in the aromas with notes of black fruits, tobacco, spices and chocolate to name a few. Depending on the producer and the aging process, the wine can be called Amarone Classico della Valpolicella, because it is produced in the original area of the three valleys of Negrar, Fiumane or Marano, or Amarone Classico Riserva (aged for four years). For oenophiles who wish to discover these wines, it is advisable to start with Amarone Classico. Aged for two years in wood and one year in the bottle before release, these wines have more vibrant fruit and a little more freshness. The Riserva wines, on the other hand, will be more complex, with a denser mouthfeel and require a more experienced and trained palate.
The best Amarone in terms of value for money?
Alfavin.ch gives you its vision on this subject. This non-exhaustive list is the result of tastings of our own wines but also of those of other producers, who, like us, produce quality wines.
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Amarone Classico "Moropio" - Antolini Vini
Moropio is a wine made by the Antolini brothers, independent winemakers in Marano. It develops a nose of red fruits, sweet spices and dried flowers. In the mouth, a wine with a supple texture, supported by a good freshness.
Amarone Classico - Zenato
One of the most emblematic estates for the quality of its work. The Zenato family has been running this estate since the 1960s. Its Amarone Classico vintage has a delicate bouquet of crisis, chocolate and nuts. In the mouth, the wine is voluminous and silky.
Amarone Classico - Cesari
Founded in 1936 by Gerardo Cesari, the estate now enjoys international recognition as in the 1970s it was one of the first winemakers in the region to be present on all five continents. Its Classico vintage has a nose of ripe fruit, black cherries. The palate is elegant and silky, good persistence.
Amarone Classico "Costasera" - Masi
Existing since 1772, the estate is now run by the sixth and seventh generation of the Masi family. The "Costasera" vintage has a nose of stewed fruits, cherries and plums. In the mouth, the wine is elegant and balanced.
Amarone Classico - Speri
A historic family of the region, the origins of this winery date back to the mid-19th century. Today, the 7th generation is at the helm of the family business. Their Amarone Classico, born in 1974, has a nose of dried fruits and chocolate touches. In the mouth, the wine is warm and powerful.
Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva
Amarone Classico Riserva Giuseppe Quintarelli
Considered the icon of the appellation, the Quintarelli estate is now run by Giuseppe's daughter, Fiorenza. Nose of dried figs, prunes and black cherries, it evolves on notes of tobacco, dried fruits and chocolate. In the mouth the wine is fleshy, the tannins are numerous and powerful.
Amarone Classico Riserva - Zenato
The "Riserva" vintage of the estate is aged for a minimum of four years in barriques. A blend of Corvina and Rondinella from the oldest vines, this wine is racy and elegant. The wine is dense on the palate with a long aromatic persistence and hints of caramel, cedar wood and cherries on the nose.
Amarone Classico Riserva "Scarnocchio" - Monte del Fra
The first traces of viticulture on the current estate date back to 1492. Owned by the Bonomo family since 1958, Monte del Fra delivers a wine with notes of dried fruit, wild berries and licorice. The wine is tannic and silky on the palate, its depth makes it a wine to keep.
Amarone Classico Riserva "Le Origini" - Bolla
This estate is closely linked to the history of Amarone, since it was the first to market it in 1950. With its reserve vintage "Le Origini", Bolla reveals the quintessence of this appellation. A nose of wild berry jam, vanilla and liquorice notes. The mouth is voluptuous, intense. Long finish.
Our selection above remains our vision and our taste towards the Amarone. It is in no way a ranking, but simply a sharing of our tasting memories. Each human being being being different, we all have our own story and our own tasting experience. We hope to have helped you to see a little more clearly in this vineyard and this appellation. The truth is in the bottle, the best is to open one and make your own opinion...
Have a nice tasting and we look forward to meeting you again to discuss this subject!
Find all our other articles on Amarone:
Food and wine pairing advice for the Amarone? Alfavin.ch tells you everything!
How is Amarone produced? Alfavin.ch explains it all!
Our tips for aging Amarone wines
Discover also our wine subscriptions to offer as gifts or for yourself.
