2020 Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy (750ml)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

The result of the Allegrini familys expertise, a true classic of the appellation, this red wine embraces tradition, territory and the know-how of country ways. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta are left to air dry at least until December and are checked daily to ensure perfectly healthy grapes. Lengthy refining and ageing finally yields a red wine that has become emblematic of Italian oenology, alongside Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino. It has imposing structure and depth, as much in its aromas of mature fruit and spices, as on the palate, where the alcohol is sustained by the right degree of acidity and refined tannins.

Blend: 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta

TASTING NOTES:

A bold interpretation of Amarone. Refined aromas of licorice, dried cherries, camphor and menthol reverberate across a compact, dense mid-palate. At this early stage, the tannins feel largely oak-derived. But there is nothing blunt about them and there is ample mineral infusion and freshness. Bottle age will serve this rich Amarone well, placating the primary fruit while transforming the wine into something far more complex. Very good. Drink or hold.

-James Suckling, 94pts

This Amarone leaps from the glass with an array of aromas that seem daunting at first but then are as comforting as a down comforter. Opening with aromas of ripe black plums, dusted with candied violet petals, espression and a distinct crushed chalk minerality. The palate is voluminous as dried black cherries, black tea and savory herbal flavors rush to meet the roasted coffee bean and licorice roots notes found on the compelling finish. Drink Now – 2045 JP

-Wine Enthusiast, 94pts