Paolo Cottini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 Magnum

Paolo Cottini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 Magnum is a deeply expressive, small‑production Amarone crafted for true collectors and lovers of powerful yet refined Italian reds. Sourced from carefully selected, hand‑harvested grapes that are gently dried before fermentation, this Riserva marries intensity with remarkable elegance. The extended aging in large French oak tonneaux and the rare magnum format elevate it into a wine built for grand occasions and long, contemplative enjoyment. Produced from the classic Valpolicella trio—Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella—this Amarone stands out with its 100‑day appassimento (drying) period, 40‑day fermentation, and an extraordinary 72 months of oak maturation plus a year in bottle. Rooted in the historic hills of Valpolicella Classica, it reflects centuries of Amarone tradition, while the limited release of just 30 magnums (each individually numbered) underscores its exclusivity and collector appeal.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva shows a deep, concentrated ruby core edging toward garnet, with a dense, almost velvety appearance that hints at its richness and structure. The nose is generous and layered, offering ripe dark cherries, black plum and dried fig, interwoven with notes of candied orange peel, cocoa, sweet spice, licorice and a subtle balsamic lift. Underneath, you’ll find hints of roasted coffee, tobacco leaf and well‑integrated French oak, all testifying to its long, patient élevage. On the palate, this Amarone is full‑bodied and opulent, yet beautifully balanced by a fresh, precise acidity and fine, polished tannins. Flavors of dried cherry, blackcurrant compote and sultanas meet dark chocolate, espresso and warm baking spices, with a touch of leather and earthy minerality unfolding on the long, persistent finish. The magnum format, combined with the wine’s structure and concentration, gives it excellent aging potential: while already harmonious now, it will continue to evolve and gain further complexity over the next 10–20 years, developing more tertiary notes of truffle, forest floor and mature spice.

Production
The grapes for this Amarone come from select vineyards in the historic Valpolicella Classica zone, notably in the Negrar valley at around 580 meters above sea level and in Valgatara at about 250 meters. The contrasting altitudes, exposures (south‑west and south‑east) and classic hillside soils provide a mix of ripeness, freshness and aromatic nuance, contributing to the wine’s depth and balance. Vines are trained in the traditional pergola system, and all grapes—Corvina (55%), Corvinone (35%) and Rondinella (10%)—are meticulously hand‑harvested to ensure only the healthiest bunches are selected. After picking, the fruit undergoes appassimento, being naturally dried for approximately 100 days, concentrating both sugars and flavors. Fermentation takes place in large oak vats over about 40 days, allowing a slow, gentle extraction of color, tannin and aromatic compounds. The young wine then matures for a remarkable 72 months in large French oak tonneaux of around 1,000 liters, followed by an additional 12 months of bottle aging before release. This extended, traditional regimen yields a wine of exceptional finesse, complexity and longevity.

Food & Serving
This Amarone Riserva is a superb partner for rich, flavorful dishes such as braised beef cheeks, slow‑roasted lamb, game (venison, wild boar), or a classic holiday roast. It also pairs beautifully with mature, hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, aged Asiago or well‑aged blue cheeses, and can even serve as a luxurious “meditation wine” enjoyed on its own after a meal. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 18–19°C (64–66°F). Given its youth and concentration, especially in magnum, decanting is strongly recommended: allow at least 1–2 hours in a wide decanter to let the wine fully open and reveal its aromatic and textural complexity.

Producer
The Paolo Cottini estate is a relatively young label, founded in 2010 by husband‑and‑wife team Paolo and Sara, yet it draws on four generations of family winemaking tradition in Valpolicella. Based in Castelrotto, a small medieval village in the commune of San Pietro in Cariano, the winery sits in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, an area long renowned for producing some of Italy’s most distinctive and ageworthy red wines. Their vineyards are spread across prestigious sites in Negrar and Valgatara, where varying altitudes and exposures provide a rich palette of terroir expressions. While their DOC and DOCG wines honor traditional styles and methods, Paolo and Sara also explore more personal expressions through their IGT bottlings, showcasing their own vision of what Valpolicella wines can be. The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG epitomizes the estate’s commitment to meticulous vineyard work, hand harvesting, and extended, careful aging. Bottled in very limited quantities and with numbered bottles and magnums, it underscores Paolo Cottini’s emerging status as a boutique producer of high‑quality, characterful wines in the historic Valpolicella region.

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