Corte Sant'Alda Amarone della Valpolicella VAL**ZZANE Bio 2015

Corte Sant'Alda Amarone della Valpolicella Val**zzane 2015 is a powerful yet remarkably refined Amarone from one of the Veneto’s most revered artisan estates. Crafted by Marinella Camerani – affectionately known in Italy as “La Mamma di Amarone” – this wine shows just how elegant, vibrant and layered Amarone can be when treated with utmost care. The biodynamic vineyards in the Val di Mezzane and the meticulous, small‑scale production give this Amarone a distinctive tension, purity and depth that set it apart from more opulent, heavier styles.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2015 Val**zzane presents a deep, dense garnet-red core with a faint brick hue at the rim, hinting at its evolution and concentration. The nose is complex and compelling: ripe black cherries, dried plum and fig lead, supported by notes of black tea, cacao, tobacco leaf and dried rose petals. Subtle layers of sweet spice (cinnamon, clove), licorice, and hints of balsamic herbs and cedar emerge with air, underscoring the wine’s depth and refinement. On the palate, this Amarone is full-bodied and richly textured, yet never heavy or ponderous. The dried-fruit richness of Corvina and Corvinone—black cherry compote, sultana, and macerated berries—is beautifully balanced by fresh acidity and finely woven tannins. Rondinella and the other traditional local grapes contribute savory, herbal and slightly spicy nuances that keep the wine vibrant. There is a long, persistent finish with lingering notes of dark chocolate, espresso and wild herbs. The 2015 vintage is already harmonious and approachable but has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for at least another 10–15 years in a good cellar, gaining further complexity and tertiary notes over time.

Production
The Val**zzane Amarone comes from biodynamically farmed parcels in the Val di Mezzane, east of Verona, at around 350 meters above sea level. Here, the vines dig deep into clay-limestone soils, which naturally limit yields and contribute to the wine’s mineral backbone and freshness—quite distinctive for Amarone. The vineyards are planted at a very high density, up to 7,800 vines per hectare, forcing the roots deep into the subsoil and concentrating flavor in a small number of grapes per vine. Harvest is done entirely by hand, with strict selection of bunches that are then traditionally dried (appassimento) in well-ventilated fruttaio rooms for several months to concentrate sugars, aromas and extract. After gentle pressing, fermentation proceeds slowly with indigenous yeasts, allowing the must to fully express its origin. The wine is then aged in carefully chosen wooden vessels (often large casks and used barriques) for an extended period, integrating tannins and oak while preserving the estate’s hallmark finesse and energy, before further bottle aging prior to release.

Food & Serving
This is a contemplative red that shines alongside richly flavored, slow-cooked dishes. Think braised beef cheeks, ossobuco, venison stew, game birds, or roasted lamb with rosemary and root vegetables. It’s also a superb companion to aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Monte Veronese or mature pecorino, and can finish a meal beautifully with dark chocolate desserts featuring cherries or figs. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) to showcase both its richness and freshness; avoid serving it too warm, which can accentuate alcohol. Decanting for 1–2 hours is highly recommended for the 2015, allowing the bouquet to unfurl and the palate to soften into its most expressive, harmonious form.

Producer
Corte Sant’Alda is the life’s work of Marinella Camerani, a pioneering self-made winemaker who began transforming her family’s estate in the hills east of Verona in the 1980s. At a time when few women were at the forefront of Italian wine—and even fewer in the world of Amarone—she carved out a reputation for producing wines of striking character, precision and authenticity. Today, the estate is certified organic and works according to biodynamic principles, emphasizing living soils, biodiversity and minimal intervention in the cellar. Within the Valpolicella and broader Veneto region, Corte Sant’Alda is regarded as a benchmark for artisanal, terroir-driven Amarone and Valpolicella, regularly earning critical acclaim and a loyal following among sommeliers and collectors who seek elegance and energy rather than sheer power in their wines.

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