{"title":"Amarone","description":"\u003cp\u003eA batch of Amarone starts nearly four months before fermentation does. Whole bunches of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella are laid out on bamboo racks in ventilated lofts through the autumn and winter, losing a third or more of their weight to evaporation before anyone presses them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppassimento: drying, not sweetening\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat drying process, appassimento, concentrates sugar, acid, and flavour in the grapes. Where \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/veneto\"\u003eVeneto\u003c\/a\u003e's other appassimento wine, Recioto, stops fermentation early to keep the wine sweet, Amarone ferments fully dry, turning all that concentrated sugar into alcohol, typically 15 to 16 percent. The result is dense, dried-fruit and dark-cherry flavoured, with a bitter almond finish that gives Amarone its name (roughly, 'the big bitter one'), and a weight closer to a fortified wine than a table red despite carrying no added spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrapes and zones\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/corvina\"\u003eCorvina\u003c\/a\u003e and Corvinone supply the backbone, sour cherry and dried herbs; \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rondinella\"\u003eRondinella\u003c\/a\u003e adds colour and body but drops out of the best blends where growers can afford to. The hillside Classico zone around Fumane, Marano, and Negrar is generally considered the most refined; the flatter eastern zone produces riper, broader wine. Many estates still age Amarone in large Slavonian oak botti rather than smaller French barriques, keeping the fruit forward rather than adding new oak spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs Amarone the same as Valpolicella Ripasso?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo, though they are related. Ripasso is ordinary Valpolicella re-fermented on the leftover skins from Amarone production, gaining richness and colour. Amarone is made entirely from dried grapes and costs several times more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow long does Amarone need to age?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe DOCG requires a minimum of two years in wood, and the best examples improve for a decade or two beyond that. Riserva bottlings, aged at least four years, are built for the long term.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat food suits Amarone?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBraised and slow-cooked meat, aged cheese, and risotto all'Amarone, made locally by finishing the rice in leftover wine, are the classic pairings for its weight and dried-fruit intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2018-dal-forno-romano-amarone-della-valpolicella-vigneto-monte-lodoletta","title":"2018 Dal Forno Romano Amarone Della Valpolicella Vigneto Monte Lodoletta","description":"\u003cp\u003eDal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella Vigneto Monte Lodoletta 2018 is one of the great modern expressions of Amarone, revered for its power, precision, and extraordinary concentration. Sourced from the estate’s famed Monte Lodoletta vineyard in Veneto, it showcases the meticulous, uncompromising style that has made Dal Forno Romano a benchmark name in Italian fine wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, it is typically deep, almost impenetrable ruby-black, with remarkable intensity and depth. The nose is layered and complex, unfolding with notes of ripe dark cherries, blackberries, plum compote, dried fig, cocoa, sweet spice, tobacco, and a refined balsamic edge, all supported by impressive freshness and mineral detail.\n\nThe palate is full-bodied, rich, and densely structured, yet framed by remarkable balance and clarity. Expect concentrated dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, resonant finish with echoes of chocolate, licorice, and dried herbs. Built for long aging, this is a wine that can evolve beautifully for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVigneto Monte Lodoletta is a distinguished estate site in the Valpolicella zone of Veneto, where the terroir and meticulous vineyard management are central to the wine’s identity. Dal Forno Romano is known for low yields, selective harvesting, and a rigorous appassimento approach, with grapes carefully dried before vinification to intensify flavor, texture, and structure. The result is a wine of exceptional concentration and purity, crafted with precision from vineyard to cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBest enjoyed with rich, savory dishes such as braised short ribs, game, osso buco, truffle risotto, or mature hard cheeses. Serve at around 16–18°C, and consider decanting for at least 2–4 hours, especially when young, to allow the wine’s full aromatic complexity and structure to unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDal Forno Romano is one of Valpolicella’s most celebrated producers, founded by Romano Dal Forno, whose uncompromising pursuit of quality helped redefine Amarone on the world stage. The estate is admired for its exacting vineyard work, small yields, and world-class wines that combine traditional inspiration with modern precision. Today, it stands among Italy’s most respected fine-wine names, with a reputation built on consistency, intensity, and exceptional longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dal Forno Romano","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255037645137,"sku":"GCW-FORN-18040606","price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2013_Dal_Forno_Romano_Amarone_Della_Valpolicella_Vigneto_Monte_Lodoletta_1.png?v=1783455987"},{"product_id":"amarone-campo-marna-cinquecento","title":"Amarone Campo Marna Cinquecento 2006","description":"\u003cp\u003eAmarone Campo Marna Cinquecento 2006 is the flagship Amarone from I Campi, a powerful yet finely etched expression of high‑altitude Valpolicella. Sourced from lofty vineyards at around 550 meters, this wine marries the richness of the traditional Amarone style with an uncommon freshness and lift. Crafted primarily from Corvina and Corvinone, with Croatina and Oseleta adding depth and structure, it stands as an iconic, long‑lived red from the hills of Veneto.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Amarone Campo Marna Cinquecento 2006 shows a deep, concentrated ruby hue that borders on inky garnet, hinting at both its age and intensity. The nose is immediately expressive and layered, with aromas of ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, and redcurrant interwoven with darker cherry notes, a gentle spiciness, and subtle hints of dried flowers and underbrush as the wine evolves in the glass.\n\nOn the palate, it is full‑bodied and enveloping, yet finely balanced by its high‑altitude freshness. The core of red berry fruit—raspberry, woodland strawberry and currant—is complemented by sweet‑spiced cherry, a touch of cocoa and savory herbal nuances. The tannins are firm but polished, giving the wine both structure and elegance, while the finish is long, warming and precise. At this stage, the 2006 vintage is entering a beautiful mature phase but still has significant aging potential; properly stored bottles can continue to develop tertiary complexity for many more years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe grapes for Campo Marna Cinquecento come from some of I Campi’s highest and most dramatic vineyards, planted on poor, stony hillside soils at approximately 550 meters above sea level. This cooler, breezier terroir naturally limits yields and helps preserve acidity, giving Amarone from this site its vibrant lift alongside impressive concentration. The fruit is carefully hand‑harvested, with strict selection in the vineyard, before undergoing the traditional Amarone appassimento process—where bunches are laid to dry for an extended period to concentrate sugars, flavors and tannins. After a long, gentle fermentation, the wine is aged in oak and in bottle to harmonize its power, refine the tannins and build the complexity that defines this cuvée.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a meditative Amarone that pairs beautifully with rich, flavorful dishes such as braised beef, slow‑cooked lamb shanks, venison stews, or aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and mature Grana Padano. It also shines alongside hearty mushroom dishes, truffle‑infused preparations and deeply reduced meat sauces. Serve at 18–20°C (64–68°F) for optimal expression. Given its structure and age, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to fully open and reveal its layered bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI Campi was founded by Flavio Prà, a fourth‑generation winegrower in the Veneto who has made it his mission to match grape varieties to the most expressive vineyard sites—hence the name \"I Campi,\" meaning \"the fields\" or \"the plots.\" Eschewing a purely volume‑driven approach, Flavio focused on hillside and mountain vineyards, effectively creating a high‑altitude estate that captures the tension between richness and freshness so prized in modern Veneto wines. Known for his experimental spirit and meticulous attention to terroir, he has helped raise the profile of the region’s premium reds, particularly Amarone and Valpolicella, on the international stage. With the next generation now preparing to continue his work, I Campi is firmly established as one of the noteworthy quality‑driven producers in the area.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"I Campi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256209756497,"sku":"VRI0320","price":228.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Roedvin-italien-veneto-della-valpolicella-amarone-campo-marna-cinquecento-2006-Corvina-Corvinone-Oseleta-Croatina-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463056"},{"product_id":"campagnola-amarone-riserva-caterina-zardini-2014","title":"Campagnola Amarone Riserva - C. Zardini","description":"\u003cp\u003eCampagnola Amarone Riserva Caterina Zardini 2014 is a deeply expressive, classically styled Amarone from the heart of Valpolicella in Veneto. Crafted from carefully selected Corvina, Corvinone and Molinara grapes, this Riserva bottling represents one of Campagnola’s flagship wines, made only in vintages worthy of extended aging. It’s a richly textured, contemplative red that showcases both power and elegance, with the hallmark dried-fruit complexity that has made Amarone world-famous.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2014 Caterina Zardini Amarone Riserva shows a deep garnet core with brick-red reflections at the rim, revealing some of the graceful evolution in bottle. The nose is intense and layered: expect aromas of dried cherries, figs and plums alongside notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, sweet spices, tobacco leaf and a subtle balsamic lift. Hints of licorice, leather, and dried herbs emerge with air, adding complexity.\n\nOn the palate, this Amarone is full-bodied and velvety, with concentrated, sun-ripened fruit wrapped in fine, persistent tannins. Flavors of dried red and black fruits, cocoa, clove, vanilla and a touch of cedar are supported by a fresh acidity that keeps the wine balanced despite its richness. The finish is long, warming and spicy, with an attractive bittersweet note of cocoa and cherry pit. At this stage, the 2014 is drinking beautifully, with its structure well-integrated; nonetheless, well-stored bottles still have several years of positive development ahead, allowing the tertiary notes of leather, forest floor and dried flowers to deepen further.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe grapes for Campagnola Amarone Riserva Caterina Zardini are sourced from selected vineyards in the Valpolicella Classica area of Veneto, where the combination of limestone and clay soils, hillside exposures and a mild climate provides ideal conditions for Corvina, Corvinone and Molinara. Only the best bunches are hand-harvested, then laid out in traditional drying lofts for the classic Amarone appassimento process, during which they lose water and concentrate in flavor over several months. After gentle pressing, the must is fermented slowly to extract depth and complexity while preserving balance. The wine then matures for an extended period in oak—often a mix of large Slavonian casks and French barriques—followed by further bottle aging before release, earning the Riserva designation through both time and quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Amarone Riserva is a superb match for rich, slow-cooked dishes such as braised beef, osso buco, venison stew, and roasted game birds, as well as aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Grana Padano. It also pairs beautifully with truffle dishes, wild mushroom ragù, and dark chocolate-based desserts for a more indulgent end to the meal. Serve at 18–20°C, ideally after decanting for 1–2 hours to allow the powerful aromas and flavors to fully open. Use large, tulip-shaped glasses to let the wine express its full aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCampagnola is based in Marano, in the heart of the Valpolicella area, one of the most scenic and historic wine regions in Veneto. The family-run winery oversees substantial vineyard holdings and works closely with trusted growers, enabling production of around 10 million bottles annually while maintaining strict quality standards. Campagnola has built a strong reputation for its Valpolicella and Amarone wines and is regularly awarded top scores in Gambero Rosso, Italy’s most influential wine guide. The Caterina Zardini Amarone Riserva stands among their most prestigious labels, reflecting the estate’s commitment to marrying regional tradition with careful, modern winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Campagnola","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256212902225,"sku":"VRI0289","price":59.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/roedvin-italien-valpolicella-classico-amarone-riserva-campagnola-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463063"}],"url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/collections\/amarone.oembed","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}