Amarone
The Grape
Our Amarone style wines are created to represent the Amarone wines made in the winemaking region of Valpolicella, in Verona, Italy. Amarone is made from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, the same grapes used in Valpolicella wines. However, grapes for Amarone are harvested last for maximum ripeness. They are then kept in special drying rooms for several months to dry out and shrivel into raisins. This method (known as passito) produces grapes with high sugar content and concentrated flavours while still maintaining acidity for balance.
The Wines
Amarone is unique in the wine world and often considered the jewel of any well-stocked wine cellar. On the palate Amarone wines are rich and full-bodied. They have medium to high acidity, but are well balanced with just a hint of sweetness and boasting of luxurious flavours of mocha, bitter-sweet dark chocolate, raisins, black cherry, and dried figs. To bring out their most intense flavours, Amarone style wines should be cellared for a few months to a few years.
The Occasions
Amarone style wines are special wines deserving of special occasions, such as a Sunday roast beef dinner with the extended family. Sommeliers at restaurants will often suggest pairing Amarone with braised beef short ribs or more classically, with a plate of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, a couple of fresh figs and some walnuts.
