Bolla Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Le Origini Riserva 2018

Bolla Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Le Origini Riserva 2018 is a richly layered, cellar‑worthy red that captures the soul of traditional Amarone. Crafted from hand‑selected Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes dried using the classic appassimento method, it offers both power and finesse in the glass. As a Riserva from one of Valpolicella’s historic names, this 2018 bottling pays homage to the origins of Amarone while showcasing a polished, modern elegance.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Amarone shows a deep garnet red color with ruby highlights at the rim, indicating both concentration and youth. The nose is intense and complex, layered with dried cherries, ripe black plum, and figs, underpinned by notes of dark chocolate, espresso, sweet tobacco, and a touch of baking spice, vanilla, and cedar from careful oak maturation. Subtle hints of dried herbs and leather emerge with air, adding further dimension. On the palate, Le Origini Riserva 2018 is full‑bodied and generous, with velvety tannins and a rich, mouth‑filling texture. Flavors of dried red and black fruits, macerated cherries, and blackberry compote unfold alongside cocoa, licorice, and a savory, slightly balsamic note typical of classic Amarone. Despite its intensity, the wine is balanced by a fresh, well‑woven acidity and a long, warming finish accented by spice and dried fruit. This vintage has the structure and concentration to age beautifully for 10–15 years or more under proper cellaring, gaining further complexity and tertiary nuances over time.

Production
The fruit for Bolla Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Le Origini Riserva 2018 is sourced from selected vineyards in the historic Classico zone of Veneto, where hillside sites with limestone and clay soils, good drainage, and favorable diurnal temperature swings help produce concentrated, aromatic grapes. Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella are typically hand‑harvested at optimal ripeness, then carefully laid out in traditional drying lofts for several months in the appassimento process, during which they lose water and concentrate sugars, acids, and flavors. After a gentle pressing and a long, controlled fermentation on the skins, the wine is aged in a mix of large Slavonian casks and selected smaller oak barrels to develop complexity and structure, followed by additional bottle aging to meet Riserva requirements and ensure harmony before release.

Food & Serving
This Amarone is a natural match for rich, robust dishes such as braised beef, osso buco, venison, and slow‑cooked lamb shanks, as well as aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, or well‑matured pecorino. It also pairs beautifully with game bird, truffle‑based dishes, and dark chocolate with a high cocoa content for a decadent finish to a meal. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the wine to open up and fully express its aromatic complexity and textural richness.

Producer
Founded in 1883, Bolla is one of the historic names of Veneto and a key pioneer in introducing Amarone and Valpolicella wines to an international audience. From its early days in the hills around Verona, the estate has played an important role in defining the character and quality standards of wines from the region, helping to bring Amarone from a local specialty to a globally recognized classic. Over the decades, Bolla has combined deep regional roots with continuous investment in vineyard management and cellar technology, earning a reputation for reliability and consistency. The Le Origini Amarone Riserva range represents their tribute to traditional methods and old‑vine sites, showcasing the depth, structure, and age‑worthy potential that have made Amarone della Valpolicella a benchmark for powerful Italian red wines.