2018 Rubinelli Vajol Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

The 2018 Rubinelli Vajol Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a rich, traditionally crafted Amarone that showcases the depth and elegance of one of Italy’s most iconic red wine styles. Sourced from classic hillside vineyards in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, this wine balances opulence with freshness, making it as compelling at the dinner table as it is in the cellar. It reflects the historic appassimento method that has defined Amarone for generations, delivering concentration, complexity and a long, satisfying finish.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this 2018 Amarone shows a deep, garnet-ruby hue with a dense core and lightly brick-tinted rim, hinting at both richness and developing complexity. The nose is layered and intense, with aromas of dried cherries, black plums and figs interwoven with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, warm spices, and a touch of balsamic and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with plush, ripe tannins supporting a generous core of dried red and black fruit, candied orange peel, cocoa, and sweet spice. Despite its power, there is a vibrant line of acidity that keeps everything in balance, avoiding heaviness. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of cherry liqueur, licorice and subtle oak. This vintage can be enjoyed now after a bit of air, but it also has excellent aging potential, with the structure and concentration to evolve gracefully over the next 10–15 years, developing more tertiary notes of leather, truffle and forest floor with time.

Production
Rubinelli Vajol farms historic vineyards in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone, where the combination of limestone-rich soils, good drainage and hillside exposures provides ideal conditions for the region’s traditional grape varieties, typically led by Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and supporting indigenous grapes. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, then carefully laid in shallow crates and left to dry for several months in well-ventilated fruttai (drying lofts), concentrating sugars, flavors and aromas in the classic appassimento style. After gentle pressing, fermentation proceeds slowly due to the richness of the must, followed by extended maceration to extract color, tannin and complexity. The wine then matures in wooden casks for an extended period, allowing the components to harmonize and the Amarone’s characteristic depth, texture and complexity to fully develop before bottling.

Food & Serving
This 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a natural partner for rich, flavorful dishes such as braised beef short ribs, venison, osso buco, aged hard cheeses (like Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano) and slow-cooked ragù over polenta. It also shines alongside earthy mushroom dishes and dark chocolate-based desserts for a more indulgent pairing. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance; avoid serving too warm, which can accentuate the alcohol. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full spectrum of aromas and flavors.

Producer
Rubinelli Vajol is a family-run estate rooted in the historic Valpolicella Classico area, where winemaking traditions date back centuries. The winery is known for its dedication to classic Valpolicella and Amarone styles, emphasizing estate-grown fruit, respectful farming and a strong connection to the local terroir. By focusing on traditional methods such as hand-harvesting, careful appassimento and measured use of oak, Rubinelli Vajol has earned a reputation among enthusiasts for producing Amarone wines that are both authentic and refined. Their commitment to quality and regional identity has helped underscore the enduring significance of Valpolicella Classico as one of Italy’s great red wine regions.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.