WHAT IS AMARONE WINE?
If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful wines, Amarone is definitely one that needs to be on your radar and in your cellar. Amarone della Valpolicella, often simply called Amarone, is a rich and robust red wine that is most commonly associated with the Valpolicella region in northern Italy. There are distinctions within this area, including Amarone della Valpolicella Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena. This wine is produced by the same grapes that go into Valpolicella like Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara even if it’s less commonly used today. Amarone is a standout in the world of Italian wine and is known for its intense flavors, full body, and power. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find bottles of Amarone that approach 16% ABV or higher. With these deep, complex flavors, one can expect notes of dark fruits like cherry, blackberry, and plum, often accompanied by hints of chocolate, coffee, and spices. The wine has a velvety texture and a full body with moderate to high tannins. And for food pairings, Amarone pairs well with rich and hearty dishes like red meats, game, and aged cheeses. It’s also wonderful with dishes like risotto with mushrooms or a rich, meaty stew.
HOW IS AMARONE WINE MADE?
Amarone is made using a unique process called “appassimento,” which translates to “fading” or “withering” in Italian. After harvesting, the grapes (typically Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, as we mentioned earlier) are dried for several months on mats or in special drying rooms. This drying process concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes. Once dried, the grapes are fermented to produce a wine that’s higher in alcohol and richness compared to many other wines.
Amarone is typically aged for several years before release, and it can continue to evolve and improve in the bottle for many more years. A well-aged Amarone can develop additional layers of complexity and nuance.
ARE THERE ANY AMARONE WINES THAT SPEC’S RECOMMENDS?
Of course there are! Our wine experts love Amarone wines and have recommended these. Check them out!
Masi Costasera
- Origin: Italy
- Region: Veneto
- Grapes: Corvina
- Aroma: Plum & Cherry
- Taste: Plum, Fig, & Jam
- ABV: 15%
The Masi Costasera showcases indigenous grapes from the Valpolicella Classica area—Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara—enhanced by the unique Oseleta grape, which Masi has rediscovered. The wine has an opaque ruby red color, with a nose featuring aromas of plums and baked cherries, complemented by hints of toasted coffee. On the palate, it presents majestic and elegant notes of cherries, plums, and jam that finishes attractively long. It pairs wonderfully with red meats, game, and mature cheeses, making it a fine choice for an after-dinner drink.
Add to cart
Casalforte
- Origin: Italy
- Region: Veneto
- Grapes: Corvina
- Aroma: Dried Fig & Prunes
- Taste: Black Cherries, Fruit, & Dark Chocolate
- ABV: 15%
The Casalforte Amarone is a carefully crafted blend, showcasing the fullest natural expression of its fruit, enhanced by an additional two years of aging in wood. It pairs beautifully with game dishes, hearty stews, and mature cheeses, but it also serves as an excellent choice for sipping on its own.
Add to cart
Fumanelli
- Origin: Italy
- Region: Veneto
- Grapes: Corvina & Rondinella
- Aroma: Cherries & Wild Berries
- Taste: Ripe Baked Red Fruits
- ABV: 15.5%
The Marchesi Fumanelli family has been cultivating grapes and producing wines on their estate for 28 generations, with a legacy that dates back to 1470. They skillfully blend traditional and modern techniques to create authentic representations of their unique terroir. As one of the region’s largest and most historic family-owned wineries, Fumanelli manages 78 acres of estate-grown fruit within the walls of their ancient property, located just eight miles from Verona. The Squarano estate lies at the heart of Valpolicella Classico, perched on a gentle hilltop surrounded by vineyards, cherry trees, and cypress trees. Grapes are hand-harvested and selected from 30- to 40-year-old pergola and 8- to 10-year-old Guyot vines on the Squarano estate. After careful selection, the grapes are placed in traditional wooden plateaux, where they rest for 120 days, allowing for drying and concentration of flavors. Winemaking occurs with the utmost respect for the grapes, utilizing both traditional and innovative techniques. In January, the grapes are de-stemmed and softly pressed, followed by a 25-day maceration with daily pump-overs. The wine ages for 30 months in French oak tonneaux, followed by an additional eight months in the bottle.
Add to cart
Castellani
- Origin: Italy
- Region: Veneto
- Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, & Molinara
- Aroma: Baked Plums & Cherries
- Taste: Mulled Cherry & Milk Chocolate
- ABV: 15.5%
The Castellani family has a rich history in winemaking in the Valpolicella region, dating back to the late 19th century. They are renowned for producing high-quality Amarone, emphasizing the unique terroir of their vineyards. Their winemaking philosophy blends traditional techniques, like the appassimento process, with modern innovations to enhance flavor and quality. Recognized in various wine competitions, Castellani wines reflect their commitment to excellence. Recently, the family has also focused on sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of their land and environment for future generations. Their passion for winemaking continues to define their legacy.
Add to cart
Salvaterra
- Origin: Italy
- Region: Veneto
- Grapes: Corvinone, Corvina, & Rondinella
- Aroma: Cherry & Black Currant
- Taste: Cherry & Black Currant
- ABV: 15%
Tenute Salvaterra is a notable winery in the Valpolicella region of Italy, recognized for producing high-quality wines, particularly Amarone and Valpolicella. Founded in the late 20th century, the winery combines traditional winemaking methods, such as the appassimento process, with modern techniques to highlight the region’s unique terroir. In addition to Amarone, they offer a diverse portfolio, including Valpolicella Classico and Ripasso, all crafted with a focus on quality and minimal intervention. Committed to sustainability, Tenute Salvaterra is a respected name in the Valpolicella wine landscape and has garnered numerous accolades. Including some for Salvaterra Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico.
Add to cartNOW WHAT?
Now that you have learned about Amarone wine and have gotten a few recommendations, it’s time for the fun part. Heading over to your neighborhood Spec’s and getting a couple of bottles! And if you’re interested in getting more wine, we recommend joining our Wine Club!
Cheers!
