In the realm of Italian wines, there is one that stands above every other bottle– Amarone. With a powerful reputation that shines across the global vinicultural landscape, Amarone is easily one of the world’s most coveted red wines. From the unique terroir and varieties in the blend to the meticulous production process, there’s artistry woven into its production process. Amarone stands unwaveringly as a libation reserved for those cherished and extraordinary moments.
Whether you have tasted Amarone wine or have never heard of it, there are plenty of things we can teach you about the history, region, food pairings, and FAQs about this famous wine. Additionally, we’ll even give you our top recommendations for where to buy some of Amarone’s finest wines for your next special occasion!
History of Amarone Wine
At the core of Amarone’s storied past resides Giuseppe Quintarelli, often hailed as the godfather or parent of this exceptional wine. His unwavering dedication to traditional winemaking practices brought about a transformative evolution, not just within the confines of Italy’s Valpolicella region, but throughout the world of wine.
Throughout his six-decade tenure as a vintner, Quintarelli pioneered and meticulously refined the exacting appassimento technique. Appassimento, an Italian word signifying “withering,” encapsulates the method where dehydrated grapes undergo pressing prior to fermentation. The outcome is a wine brimming with an opulent fusion of flavors, fragrances, sugars, and alcohol content.
Upon honing this technique to perfection, Quintarelli commenced the production of limited batches of Amarone at his vineyard. The 1980s witnessed an astronomical surge in Amarone sales, culminating in 1990 with the award of a DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) designation—an esteemed Italian hallmark of superior quality. Further heightening its prestige, in 2009, Amarone attained the pinnacle of Italian wine classification—the coveted DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status. These illustrious designations over the decades serve as a testament to Quintarelli’s assiduously controlled production techniques and his unswerving commitment to uncompromising quality.
Today, Amarone owes much of its renowned character and reputation to Quintarelli’s pioneering efforts. He is rightfully remembered as a pivotal figure in Amarone’s cherished history.
Region
Amarone originates from the Valpolicella zone in the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. This region boasts the production of four primary wine varietals: Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso, Recioto della Valpolicella, and the illustrious Amarone.
The Valpolicella zone encompasses approximately 15,000 acres of meticulously tended vineyards, cultivating a diverse array of local red grape varieties. Within these landscapes dedicated to Amarone vinification, the allocation is as follows:
- 54% of vines flourish upon the sun-kissed slopes
- 22% are strategically rooted upon the undulating foothills
- 24% thrive on the gentle embrace of the valley floor.
When planting the vines, instead of only using the modern training system of Guyot, the Valpolicella zone is renowned for its use of the pergola system. While the Guyot method orchestrates vertical vine growth, maximizing sun exposure, the pergola approach entails a canopy draping over the vines. This method orchestrates a cooler microclimate that nurtures gradual grape maturation. Notably, when it comes to the art of crafting Amarone, the pergola system stands apart as a preeminent training technique for bestowing the wine with its celebrated acidity.
With each sip of Amarone, you’re not merely tasting a wine; you’re immersing yourself in the heart and soul of Veneto.
Amarone Food Pairings
Due to its incredibly rich and dry nature, Amarone is ideally matched with dishes that burst forth with lavish flavors. The wine’s robust and intricately woven profile bestows upon it the versatility to harmonize exquisitely with an extensive array of both sweet and savory culinary pairings. Whether it’s a heartwarming homemade feast or a selection of well-aged cheeses, Amarone radiates its most brilliant luster when accompanied by flavors that are equally as bold. Presented below are some of our cherished approaches to pairing Amarone, whether your intent is to complement or contrast:
- Beef stew
- Steak
- Roast lamb
- Braised beef
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Pecorino
- Gorgonzola
- Mushroom risotto
- Dark chocolate
It’s vital to remember that Amarone is an assertive wine that truly thrives when paired with hearty or opulent dishes. There’s no need to worry about the wine being overshadowed; instead, the pairing ensures a union that enhances both the wine and the dining experience.
FAQs
Do you still have questions about Amarone? Don’t worry! Allow us to provide you with comprehensive responses to the most frequently asked questions regarding this extraordinary wine.
What wines are similar to Amarone?
Amarone undoubtedly stands as a bold red wine, yet there exist other varietals capable of delivering similar flavors in a well-balanced manner and at a budget-friendly price point. During the intricate process of Amarone crafting, remnants like grape skins and stems would conventionally be discarded. However, in the Valpolicella zone, vintners have ingeniously repurposed every facet of the grape to minimize waste. Employing their innovative “repass” technique, they incorporate these residual elements into regular wine production. This innovative approach results in a wine endowed with heightened body, concentration, and structure—all without compromising affordability.
This distinct wine is known as Ripasso, often affectionately termed a “baby Amarone.” While Amarone wines typically command a starting price of $50, Ripasso wines comfortably reside within the more accessible range of $15 to $25!
Why is Amarone wine so expensive?
The elevated price tag and distinguished status of Amarone wine stem from its distinct appassimento winemaking process. The utilization of this labor-intensive technique, coupled with meticulous grape selection, lower juice yields, and limited production batches, substantially escalates production expenses compared to other wines within the region. These specific production requirements guarantee a premium product with rich, concentrated flavors that remain unparalleled by any other wine in the vicinity.
Amarone’s capacity for aging, deeply rooted in tradition and crafted with care, contributes to its esteemed reputation and higher price point among collectors and enthusiasts.
What glass should Amarone be served in?
Amarone wine is best served in a Bordeaux or red wine glass characterized by its large, wide bowl and tapered rim. This style of glassware serves as a vessel for the wine’s intricate aromas to flourish, facilitating ample air contact. The tapered rim concentrates these aromas within the upper portion of the glass. The large bowl permits gentle swirling, effectively tempering tannins and unlocking the full spectrum of the wine’s potential.
While Amarone can be savored from various glassware, this particular design captures the wine’s concentrated, rich attributes, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Remember to pour the wine to a level between one-third and one-half of the glass’s capacity to fully enjoy its sensory nuances.
Do you chill Amarone wine?
Traditionally, Amarone wine is not subjected to the same level of chilling as its lighter white or rosé counterparts. It is best enjoyed slightly cooler than room temperature, a technique that optimally accentuates its array of flavors and aromas. The recommended serving temperature for Amarone wine falls within the range of approximately 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Excessive chilling of Amarone risks muting some of its cherished, intricate flavors and aromas. However, in circumstances where room temperatures are warmer, a quick-fix approach involves placing the bottle in a wine cooler or refrigerator for a span of 15-20 minutes before serving. This slight reduction in temperature aids in aligning the wine with the desired range. Be cautious to avoid over-chilling, as this could inadvertently veil the distinctive characteristics that define the wine.
Is Amarone good for aging?
Absolutely, Amarone is esteemed for its remarkable aging capacity. In fact, aging stands as one of the pivotal contributors to its distinguished quality and renowned status. Over time, Amarone wines are known to evolve and develop intricate layers of flavors, aromas, and textures. With a customary aging potential ranging from 10 to 20 years, or even more, well-crafted Amarone bottles can mature gracefully, gradually revealing characteristics such as dried fruits, spices, and earthy undertones.
To maximize the aging potential of your Amarone, precise storage conditions are imperative: a cool, dimly lit, and humidity-controlled environment. These factors serve as the cornerstone to unlocking the wine’s complete potential as it progressively matures.
Purchase Amarone Wine from Chateau Cellars
No collection of wines can be considered whole without the presence of an Amarone bottle. Discover the right Amarone bottle for you with our exclusive Chateau Cellars guide to Amarone!
Buglioni Amarone 2017 | $54.99
Towards the more accessible spectrum of Amarone wines, the Buglioni Amarone 2017 presents opulent flavors without compromising on its renowned quality. This wine offers a robust body accompanied by velvety tannins. Upon sipping, indulge in pronounced notes of deep-seated fruits, luscious chocolate, subtle vanilla, and a whisper of smokiness. The enduring and intricately woven finish leaves an indelible impression, rendering this wine an ideal inaugural addition to your Amarone collection.
Amarone Valpantena Bertani 2018 | $54.99
Add another remarkable Amarone wine to your collection. The Amarone Valpantena Bertani 2018 boasts robust notes of spice, dark chocolate, oak, raisin, and luscious dark fruit, making it a truly exceptional discovery. Its smooth, velvety texture and balanced medium acidity, harmoniously complemented by refined tannins, promise a captivating experience with every sip. Given its price point, resisting the allure of this Amarone is an enticing challenge indeed!
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Amarone 2012 | $309.00
For those seeking bottled sophistication, the Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Amarone 2012 stands as the epitome of choice! Indulge your palate in a symphony of exquisite flavors, encompassing dark chocolate, oak, cherries, tobacco, raisin, and plum. This bottle has garnered countless accolades, with numerous enthusiasts hailing it as the pinnacle of Amarone excellence. Rest assured, it wholeheartedly lives up to the grandeur surrounding Amarone.
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Amarone 2003 1.5L | $999.00
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Amarone 2003 3L | $2,430.00
Embracing a substantial price point, the Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Amarone 2003 in both 1.5L and 3L formats ensures that each sip is a resounding testament to its investment-worthy nature. Forged from a harmonious blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Croatina grape varieties, this wine offers a delectable union with its robust flavors. The generously proportioned 1.5L and 3L bottles stand as the quintessential choice to grace a grand communal gathering or a momentous celebration, adding a touch of magnificence to the occasion.
Chateau Cellars
Chateau Cellars is a Tampa wine storage business that offers wine enthusiasts a temperature-controlled storage solution to safely store their finest wines, like Amarone. We encourage you to directly order your coveted bottles of Amarone through Chateau Cellars.