Amarone

"The Valpolicella as you have never seen it previously – through its vineyards, its valleys, and its crus. A unique and inimitable map in its precise and detailed descriptions. Colored map with all of the existing vineyards within the confines of the Valpolicella appellation (divided by cru) and a delimitation of the Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Valpantena and Valpolicella Orientale zones. Including an indication of the principal production zones or valleys (Valle di Fumane, Valle di Marano, Valle di Negrar and others. On the back side You find an introduction to the territory, the appellation and a detailed analysis of the Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Valpantena, the Eastern Valpolicella and their various valleys." Alessandro Masnaghetti

Finish: printed on both sides, with numerous background information on areas, heights, extent, variety of grape varieties, production details and Google Earth coordinates

Size: DIN A4 or 59 x 84 cm (opened)

Alessandro Masnaghetti is a very old stone of the Italian wine industry. The journalist has worked for renowned publications such as Guido Vini d'Italia L'Espresso and the renowned wine guide by Luigi Veronelli. He has also published numerous articles and tasting reports, for example in the New York Times and the Revue du Vin de France.

Alessandro, in close cooperation with the land registries and consortiums of the most famous wine-growing regions, has been publishing for several years the cartographic work of the most important wine regions in Italy, which is probably unique to this day and which brings new insights to even the most widely travelled, well-read and wine-loving connoisseur of Italy. A must for all lovers of Italian wines who want to experience and experience the true diversity and strength of the Italian wine world, right down to the smallest individual location of the respective appellation, apart from the usual standard mush. SUPERIORE.DE

Generous, seductive and very complex bouquet of cherries, plums, spices and other aromas. The taste of the "Vigneti Vallata di Marano" impresses above all with its elegance and length. A beautiful Amarone in which power and concentration go together harmoniously. SUPERIORE.DE

Amarone Selezione Antonio Castagnedi delivers high quality for its price every year: bright ruby red with sparkling reflections. A variety of aromas of violets, graphite, black cherries and minerals and a lively, structured, down-to-earth, very present style. Its richness and depth make it the perfect accompaniment to winter cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Very fragrant bouquet on the nose, spicy, cinnamon, blood orange, fresh peach, raspberries. Spicy flavours and clear fruit on the palate, balanced, with a juicy tannin finish and beautiful length." Falstaff

"If you've ever had the opportunity to stand in old hand-fired brick drying sheds, three storeys high, filled with hot steam, leaves tied in bundles, stacked up and up and up, you'll know what this wine smells like. It is an extraordinary odour. It smells of steam-soaked red clay bricks, of tobacco leaves, green, yellow, gold, copper-coloured, brown and of earth, spices, dust and oven smoke. It is the smell of a good Amarone. And this one carries its layers of tobacco between layers of dried plums, dried cherries, crushed rosehips, bitter oranges and nutmeg. It is dry, elegant, refined. It is an extraordinary beauty." Jancis Robinson

"Very dense on the nose, so it should be swirled well to emphasise the bright red fruits such as raspberries and red cherries, which are immediately apparent on the palate. Full-bodied and structured, with a youthful feel created by the backbone of fresh tannins. It can be drunk at the dinner table now, but it is made to last and will lie in the cellar for a few more years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is a dark, seductive wine with a blend of black cherries and crushed purple candies that fade into a hint of cocoa. The wine is silky smooth, almost creamy, yet full-bodied, with ripe red fruit contrasted by a hint of bitter balsamic spice. It finishes with youthful tension, leaving a layer of grippy tannins that are nicely balanced by a hint of residual acidity. The 2019 has a wonderful balance that makes it an excellent choice for the dinner table, but will also aid its ageing. It also has only 15% alcohol. Beautiful." Vinous

Garnet red in colour with aromas of jammy fruit, black cherry, cherry, vanilla, with a hint of wilt and spice. It is a wine of great structure, enveloped in fine, chalky tannins, complex, elegant and velvety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a subtly brightening rim. Fine sweet fruit on the nose, elegant potpourri of oranges, cherries and wild strawberries, inviting and clear. Subtle, elegant pressure on the palate, savoury, precise, opens with polished tannins and light juiciness, beautiful length." Falstaff

"Dark ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Cherry liqueur with a hint of dark chocolate. Lush, deep cherry on the palate with a hint of Mon Chéri and a bite of firm but polished tannins and overall dramatically more balanced than the pure Classico." Jancis Robinson

"Quite a vegetal nose with dried berries underneath. Fruitier on the palate, with a full body and fine, slightly firm tannins that accompany the fruit through the long finish. The vegetal note persists, but by the end it becomes an element of complexity rather than a distraction." James Suckling

"A harmonious red, with fresh earth and sanguine notes serving as a savory thread enmeshed with juicy sun-dried cherry, red licorice, singed orange peel and cocoa powder flavors. Offers good depth and complexity, with the silky texture nicely wrapped around robust tannins." Wine Spectator

"The Cavolo Amarone is a selection of the best grapes from all of the estate's vineyards. This wine opens with aromas of raspberry jam, dried cherries dusted with cinnamon and cocoa, and wafting notes of cedar and tobacco. The flavours of tart plums and fresh blackberries combine with bay leaf, chia spice, liquorice root and white pepper. The palate is elegant, with fine tannins and a lively acidity that gives the wine a good basis for ageing." Wine Enthusiast

The name says it all: Marne means marl soil, on which the vines for this marvellous Amarone grow. They are over 20 years old and lie in an ideal 180° direction, from south-west to south-east. Rich, shiny ruby red colour, compact bouquet with intense aromas of plum, black cherry, green tea and tobacco, with a fine chocolate note in the background. The body, coated in fine berry fruit, develops a dynamic flavour experience on the palate with a sweet fruit melt, firm tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, bright ruby red with garnet reflections. A complex nose of dried red fruits, liquorice and forest floor, with a balsamic finish. Powerful on the palate with intense fruit and length as well as a fine tannin structure." Falstaff

"Dried flowers, plums, red berries, beautifully combined with leather, oak, figs and dates, lively freshness with a beautiful tannin structure." Decanter

"The wines from this reliable producer are consistently delicious, in a modern style without ever slipping too far into excess. Cherry, alpine spruce, candied orange zest, violets and camphor. The oak combines with the refined tannins of the grapes, condensing the fruit with a welcome restraint. The vintage has a hint of sweetness. The age and accompanying complexity will serve this wine well. Lasting." James Suckling

"The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 is wonderfully floral, with dusty, dried roses and violets accompanied by notes of crushed chalk and spiced blackberries. It has a silky texture and a pleasant inner sweetness with crisp forest fruits contrasted by candied orange notes. The Marne 180 finishes structured and remarkably fresh with a hint of dark chocolate that lingers. It is fantastic." Vinous

Amarone Classico is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the classic Valpolicella area at the entrance to the Marano Valley. The drying process of the carefully selected grapes takes about 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures in wooden barrels for at least 3 years.

Dark cherries, plums, smoke, mint, liquorice, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals swirl around in the glass as the wine gradually opens. Lively and lively, it features an expressive and well-defined personality and seriousness. For all its depth, the 2017 edition is an almost weightless Amarone built on finesse and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shimmering ruby red. Finely marked on the nose, slightly barrel-spicy, savoury cherry and plum fruit, as well as blood orange and rosehip on the finish, white pepper. Very juicy and radiant on the palate, compact and polished, with tension and vibration until the final." Falstaff

"Exotic spices and dusty black cherry are complemented by a vivid notes of cinnamon and dried flowers as the remarkably pretty 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens in the glass. This is cool-toned and seamless in feel, coasting across the palate with mineral-tinged red berries, hints of sour citrus and exotic spices, all energized by brilliant acidity. The 2017 finishes long, lightly structured and staining without a hint of its 16.5% abv and amazing balance." Vinous

"This shows excellent intensity on the nose, with suggestive notes of sweet raspberries, Christmas spices, nutmeg and hints of salted plums, caramel and chocolate. Very flavorful, but agile and silky on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Signature Amarone warmth and bittersweet berry and chocolate in the finish, with some savory and sweet spice, too. Long and complex." James Suckling

The latest addition to the Guerrieri Rizzardi Amarone family comes from three cru vineyards in the municipality of Negrar, including their best vineyard, Calcarole. The grapes are dried in the Pojega drying rooms for 3-5 months without any technical aids. 3 Cru is available a little earlier than Villa Rizzardi or Calcarole and offers complex dark fruit flavours with a very pleasant sweet spiciness on the palate. Fresh and lively, it glides into a respectable finish with plenty of character. SUPERIORE.DE

Amarone Classico is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the classic Valpolicella area at the entrance to the Marano Valley. The drying process of the carefully selected grapes takes around 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures for at least 3 years in wooden barrels.

Dark cherries, plums, smoke, mint, liquorice, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals swirl around in the glass as the wine gradually opens up. Lively and lively, it is characterised by an expressive and well-defined personality and seriousness. For all its depth, it is an almost weightless Amarone, built on finesse and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Fine wood on the nose, sweet cherry, juicy citrus fruit, very inviting and with fine floral nuances on the finish. Medium-bodied on the palate, shows good juiciness, violet flavour, surprisingly light-footed." Falstaff

"Inviting aromas of cherry jam, exotic spices, dried violets and cocoa powder swirl in the glass of this well-crafted Amarone. Rich and lush ,the wine is mouth filling but the tart red-berry and sour-plum flavors balance the wine along with crunchy acidity that leads to a savory and earthy finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of dried berries and pressed flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate with a relaxed, fruity mouthfeel at first. Then some solid tannins firm up the finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens slowly with a blend of dried cherries, wild herbs and crushed ashen stone. Its textures are silky and pure, with mineral underpinnings that excite the senses as spicy red fruits cascade across the palate. A salty flourish creates a distinctly savory style through the finish, as grippy tannins add youthful poise." Vinous

Impeccable Amarone from the Valpantena subzone with a promising bouquet of dark cherries, sweet spices, rose petals and a certain earthiness. Continuous and complex on the palate with an elegant, delicately bitter finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Zenato's Amarone is all about elegance, with ripe fruit at the centre of the inviting bouquet with light notes of aromatic herbs. Powerful, sparkling ruby colour. Very appealing and multi-layered nose of plum, black cherry and a hint of leather. The palate reveals its overripe power, fine tannins and warm, expansive flavour, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red colour with a brightening rim. Intense aroma of ripe, dark cherries, pickled sultanas, orange zest and wild raspberries on the nose. Compact on the palate with a melting texture, pleasant tannin structure and a long, fruit-driven finish." Falstaff

"A soft red wine whose lush texture carries finely tuned flavours of stuffed cherries and baked raspberries. It offers accents of loamy earth, orange peel, medicinal herbs and rosehip. Long and flowing, with good tension through the well-seasoned, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Very complex nose of bay leaves, dried plums and blackberry jam, complemented by leather and some restrained chocolate. Velvety tannins flow on the palate, with a full body, zesty and cleansing acidity and a savoury finish of roasted black pepper and chocolate." James Suckling

Beautiful Amarone Riserva with well-proportioned flavours of ripe dark fruit and noble notes of leather, spices and sweet tobacco. It is dense and full-bodied with remarkable depth, breadth and purity on the palate. An opulent wine with a long and very harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Acute aromas of dried cherries and berries, with spicy and earthy, nutty notes. Full-bodied with a regal structure of velvety fruit and oak tannin, supporting plenty of spicy dried-fruit flavor. Concentrated and intense with a long, long finish. This will age nicely for many a year, despite already being approachable now." James Suckling

Amarone Case Vecie takes its name from the vineyard of the same name in the municipality of Grezzana in Valpantena. This is an exceptional plot of land where the grapes ripen slowly and consistently even in the most difficult years thanks to the altitude and exposure. The late harvest makes it possible to store the grapes in a cooler season and to carry out a slow and long drying process that develops the characteristic flavours. A wine that brings out the natural characteristics of the high mountain climate: a true Amarone delle "Vigne Alte".

Intense ruby red colour. Case Vecie needs time to open up in the glass. It seduces with a rather unobtrusive but also meditative expression and draws the eye to a pretty bouquet of blackberries, lavender and violets. The palate reveals pure elegance that rests on a core of lively acidity and at the same time displays an impressive density with radiant black fruits that gain volume and depth towards the end. Cherries, sweet spices, mocha and dark, floral notes run through the dramatically long final. The harmony and balance is already astonishing and will continue to refine with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. A nose of cloves and cinnamon powder, with a fine hint of pepper and a finish of fine sultanas, rich black cherries and elegant wood. Polished and warm on the palate, with a creamy finish and ripe fruit." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Deep nose of cherry soaked in liqueur with hints of dark cocoa powder. Juicy, supple, deep cherry fruit with a thick layer of fine-grained tannins. Gripping, juicy final. The tannic weight requires more time in the bottle, but the whole is well balanced and the alcohol goes virtually unnoticed. Can age." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine, with its plush texture wrapped in sinewy tannins, shows flavours of black cherries, steeped tea, dried oregano and tea rose. It finishes with a hint of orange peel acidity and rich notes of loamy earth and spice." Wine Spectator

"Tantalising aromas of dried strawberries and raspberries, along with notes of heather-like herbs and dried citrus peel. Full-bodied with beautiful, silky tannins that embrace the fruit and provide length. In fact, this wine is very long, releasing more and more cedar and savoury dried peel for you to enjoy. An excellent 2017 from a top Amarone vineyard." James Suckling

"This single-vineyard Amarone is high in the hills of the Valpantena Valley and opens with aromas of macerated black cherries steeped in anise and clove that then evolve into notes of forest floor and dried herbs. Finesse is driven with a balance between wild plums, savory and oolong tea notes that are guided by the elegant tannins and mouth-watering acidity on the end." Wine Enthusiast

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Case Vecie 2017 is a dream come true, with a remarkably fresh bouquet of roses, violets, cedar shavings, dusty cherry and sweet smoke. This is elegance personified, with ripe red and black fruits energised by vibrant acidity as candy spices emerge. Minerals add a tactile note towards the end. Balsamic herbs and a hint of mocha resonate, while the 2017 finishes with soft tannins and a slightly bitter aftertaste that underlines the wine perfectly. This child of a warm vintage shows impressive balance and enormous potential for the future. Bury your bottles deep." Vinous

The three Tedeschi siblings Antonietta, Sabrina and Riccardo, who also select the three barrels from which the blend is made each year, give their name to the "Ansari", which is only available in small quantities. Rich bouquet of dried fruit, sultanas, rum pot and chocolate. Firm on the palate with an excellent structure, the opulent fruit centre is joined by balsamic, herbal notes and a piquant bitter note on the long finish. The perfect addition to the famous family winery's top-class Amarone range since the 2016 debut vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby with a garnet-red rim. Elegant nose of dark plum, blueberry jam, cold smoke and fine wood spice. Lush and supple, flows over the tongue with great presence into the long final." Falstaff

"A medium- to full-bodied red, with a fragrant waft of eucalyptus and tobacco leaf elements accenting the core of soft cherry, steeped raspberry and singed orange peel notes. This wine's bright, focused flavors are integrated with fine, chalky tannins and tangy acidity." Wine Spectator

"The name is an acronym that reflects the names of the three siblings. Fine, pure fruit with the density and fullness you would expect from an Amarone. Nevertheless, the wine is impressively fresh, characterised by a wonderful acid structure that keeps it light on its feet and gives it a good, juicy length. A paradox of power and balletic detail, almost reminiscent of a Pinot from a warm vintage, so strong are the allusions to red fruit. Dangerously drinkable. An excellent, somewhat modern interpretation of Amarone." James Suckling

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Ansari 2019 needs its time in the glass, initially it is dark and floral with a hint of herbs. When coaxed, an attractive blend of wild berries, violets and gravel emerges. This silky and refined wine impresses with its perfect balance of ripe red and blue fruits, offset by salty minerals and savoury spices. The lively acidity provides a wonderful freshness, while the 2019 finishes structured and long. The grippy tannins linger, leaving the mouth wanting more." Vinous

The grapes for the house's classic Amarone come from the vineyards at the headquarters in Negrar, the vast majority of them from the top Pojega vineyard, from vines over 35 years old. They are 100% dried in small crates in the historic rooms of Pojega. Captivating blend of dusty black cherry and blueberry, complemented by a spice box full of cloves and dried flowers. Very elegant on the palate with a core of minerality and bright dark red fruits that cascade over the palate. Finishes well-structured with balsamic herbs and mocha, while the residual acids retain a lovely freshness. Wonderfully balanced and convincing! SUPERIORE.DE

Manfro's bouquet combines dark ripe fruits, sweet spices, some mocha with spicy herbs and violet flowers. Silky, full-bodied and energetic on the palate with cooling acidity and minerals that play superbly around the ripe black cherries. Finishes on an elegant bitter note, fresh with violet flowers and wild berries. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lovely aromatic expression, richly scented and nuanced with caramel, roses, potpourri, meaty tones, chocolate and orange. Succulent and sharp, this has such intensity from the start with a precision that gives each aspect a high tone and edge in the mouth with the expansive flavours coming a little after the initial taste. It's a powerful, full wine, with plenty of flavour but it's delivered with a light touch, it's not as viscous as I thought it would be, but so nuanced, driving and persistent. Structured and supportive, this is an interesting wine that carefully blends sweet and savoury elements with freshness." Decanter

The star from Tenuta Sant'Antonio: A rich dark ruby red, its bouquet of wild fruits, black pepper, tobacco and spices is a delight for the nose. Fruity and full-bodied, yet velvety and very sophisticated in its character - an austere, characterful and elegant Amarone, whose terrificfinish is accompanied by noble tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has distinct aromas of chocolate wheat and spiced plum crumble. Tart black fruits and balsamic freshness lurk in the mouth with streaks of tangy red fruits and dusty spices, supported by fine, grainy tannins. It's sweet and juicy and shows some chalky tautness on the palate, giving this big wine a desirable finesse." Decanter

"Ruby red with a tendency towards violet. The nose reveals clear notes of sour cherry, cherry, plum, blood orange and undergrowth, followed by floral notes of rose and violet. Gradually, spicy notes unfold. Full, juicy and fruity on the palate, with splendid tannins, finishing delicately bitter on the long finish." Falstaff

"The Tenuta Sant'Antonio Famiglia Castagnedi 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli reveals a very savory character with dried fruit, lots of plum and spicy back notes that transition to tarry smoke and barbecue. The wine is full-bodied and slightly evolved due to the hot vintage conditions." Wine Advocate

"Thick and rather syrupy dried black fruits face a wall of black pepper and toasted oak on the nose, which turns to liquorice on the palate. Any subtler, more complex character waits for now for the youthful fruit and oak to clear the main stage. And that can take some time. Nevertheless, this wine is already very pleasant to drink and will give pleasure for many years to come." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli is intense, like opening an ash stone to discover a wealth of dried black cherries, cinnamon sticks, incense and dried herbs. The texture is deep, with a balanced inner sweetness highlighted by vibrant acidity, while the depths of tart red fruits slowly saturate the palate with primary concentration. The 2017 finishes structured and dramatically long, making a case for further cellaring." Vinous

"My personal challenge is to bring Amarone back to the table. A wonderful food companion that combines power and complexity with a crisp, soft sip." Graziano Prà

Radiant ruby red. The aromas are intense and complex of stewed plums, cloves, sage and dark chocolate. On the palate, cherry and plum as well as a nice component of bitter cocoa and liquorice. The texture is velvety but also buoyant and juicy, with lively acids teasing the palate with mineral-tinged red fruits and sweet spices. On the complex final, the wine becomes darker and more intense, revealing blackcurrants, herbal notes and a hint of bitter coffee. Morandina offers the intensity of an Amarone but in a spicy and balanced style that is very attractive. SUPERIORE.DE

"This elegant red is medium- to full-bodied, with creamy tannins providing a fine frame for flavors of brambly red currant and blackberry fruit, pine, orange peel and crushed pink peppercorn. A subtle, savory overtone of cured tobacco and smoky bacon fat echoes on the fresh finish." Wine Spectator

"Inspired by Dal Forno, renowned Soave producer Graziano Prà purchased 13 hectares high up in eastern Valpolicella's Mezzane Valley in 2001. The previously unplanted parcel is protected by forest and has been farmed organically from the start. A relatively restrained nose shows dried garden herbs with plum and floral nuances. On the palate, fig and prune flavours are laced with cigar smoke. Velvety, malleable tannins enfold the easy to please package and the finish is bright with a pleasantly bitter edge." Decanter

"A savory and complex expression of Amarone with some dried cherries, red dates, stewed herbs, orange peel, tobacco and white pepper. Some bold green peppercorn, too. A svelte delivery of Amarone with a medium body, showing tobacco, cedar and chocolate on the palate. Long, cedary finish." James Suckling

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Morandina is dark and youthfully understated in the glass, as crushed rose petals and stone dust give way to red currants. This is silky-smooth, nearly velvety in feel, with masses of mineral-tinged black cherry and spice contrasted by a twang of sour citrus. The 2016 finishes with outstanding length and depth yet is also remarkably fresh, leaving hints of hard red candy and the slightest touch of bitter cocoa. The Amarone of Prà is always so unique but in the best possible way. The 2016 is a total gem but needs cellaring to come fully into focus." Vinous

"My personal challenge is to bring Amarone back to the table. A wonderful food companion that combines power and complexity with a crisp, soft sip." Graziano Prà

Brilliant ruby red colour. The aromas are intense and complex with notes of stewed plums, cloves, sage and dark chocolate. On the palate, cherry and plum as well as a beautiful component of bitter cocoa and liquorice. The texture is velvety, but also lively and juicy, with lively acids that tantalise the palate with mineral-tinged red fruits and sweet spices. In the complex final, the wine becomes darker and more intense, revealing blackcurrant, herbal notes and a hint of bitter coffee. Morandina offers the intensity of an Amarone, but in a spicy and balanced style that is very attractive. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Morandina is youthfully coy, slowly evolving with a delicate blend of dusty rose, stone dust and dried strawberries. This displays fantastic balance, cooling and crisp, with silken textures and depths of red and black fruits that slowly saturate. Crunchy tannins resonate as the 2017 tapers off dramatically long and staining, leaving a pleasantly bitter twang and saline minerals to linger on." Vinous

Pietro dal Cero grows on the extensive and sunny Luxinum vineyard at the foot of the Monti Lessini. A magnificent, dark ruby-red Amarone. Its sumptuous aromas range from lovely floral nuances to fruity sour cherry and blackberry to balsamic notes such as star anise and merge into a multi-layered bouquet. On the palate, there are hints of dark chocolate, memories of tobacco, coffee and cardamom as well as a hint of mint. A full-bodied, complex wine, the pronounced tannin caresses the palate velvety, a fresh, lively acidity brings lightness and freshness to the long finish, which benefits from nutty accents. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, rich ruby red colour. Animating aroma of ripe, dark fruit, caramel and cedar wood. Creamy and mouth-filling on the palate, harmonious with well-integrated tannins and a powerful, fruity finish." Falstaff

"Deep dark red colour with a black core. Juicy and floral aroma of dark plum, black cherry, lavender and rose petals. Lush on the palate, as befits an Amarone. Concentrated flavours of cherries, elderberry, vanilla, coffee and eucalyptus. The alcohol is totally restrained, amazing. The finish is predominantly carried by the fruit. It simply has everything a well-rounded Amarone needs." Vinum

Pietro dal Cero grows on the extensive and sunny Luxinum vineyard at the foot of the Monti Lessini. A magnificent, dark ruby-red Amarone. Its sumptuous aromas range from lovely floral nuances to fruity sour cherry and blackberry to balsamic notes such as star anise and merge into a multi-layered bouquet. On the palate, there are hints of dark chocolate, memories of tobacco, coffee and cardamom as well as a hint of mint. A full-bodied, complex wine, the pronounced tannin caresses the palate velvety, a fresh, lively acidity brings lightness and freshness to the long finish, which benefits from nutty accents. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Initially youthfully restrained, it needs to be "coaxed" to reveal its aromas of dried black cherries, mocha and cloves, underscored by a hint of fresh mint. Impressive on the palate with a blend of sweet spices, lush ripe wild berries and a silky texture balanced by lively acidity and a pleasantly bitter hint of dark chocolate towards the finish. Finishes classically dry with dramatic length and potency, leaving a layer of fine-grained tannins that saturate and promise many years of positive development. Allegrini has hit the bull's eye with this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with garnet reflections. Ripe fruit flavours of blackberries, cherries and plums on the nose as well as a light tobacco note and some liquorice. Sweet and juicy on the palate with lively acidity and gripping tannins, final with a spicy final." Falstaff

"A bold interpretation of Amarone. Refined flavours of liquorice, dried cherries, camphor and menthol echo across a compact, dense mid-palate. At this early stage, the tannins feel largely derived from the oak. But they are not dull, they are mineral and refreshing. Bottle ageing will do this rich Amarone good to soothe the primary fruit and transform the wine into something much more complex. Very good." James Suckling

"Ripe black fruits with cloves, liquorice and cinnamon make for fascination and intrigue. Imposing and muscular with a burst of fine acidity and a luxurious finish." Decanter

Capitel Monte Olmi 2017 takes things to another level. It coats the glass with a deep purple glow and exudes a dark and seductive bouquet of redcurrants, sultanas, black liquorice and a hint of spiced citrus. The deep, velvety texture is complemented by juicy acids and tart red fruits that drench everything they touch, leaving a complex layer of savoury spices, minerals and fine tannins. This wine is structured, long and full of character, but with a balance that will carry it for many years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red with garnet reflections. Very intense aromas of blueberry, black elderberry, ripe plum, sandalwood, chocolate and tobacco leaf on the nose. Powerful and very fruity on the palate, delicately spicy and dense, with fine tannins, very balanced final with great drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Blackberry pie, sweet and savoury spices, woody herbs and violets swirl in the glass. In the mouth, it's lush and creamy, with cooked plums and black cherries on the mid-palate accompanied by anise, clove and pepper, finishing with fine tannins and bright acidity. The wine shows the 2017 vintage with its concentrated richness, but there is enough acidity to hold the wine together." Wine Enthusiast

"Restrained and deep nose of black pepper, earth, blackberries, blueberries and bay leaves. The attack is lush, dense and velvety, with a full body, refined tannins, firm acidity and great balance. Long, amazing finish with notes of dark chocolate." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi is youthfully shy, slowly unfurling notes of cocoa, cloves, lavender and dried black cherries as it swirls. Creamy and seamlessly silky, it soothes the palate with its cooling acidity as the masses of ripe red and blue fruits slowly saturate. A bitter hint of dark chocolate lingers along with a tart berry concentration framed by crisp tannins. For this warm and dry vintage, this is an excellent performance. Its balance is just right." Vinous

"One of the most traditional wineries in Valpolicella, ancient wisdom combined with modern intuition. A Riserva made from Corvina, Rondinone, Rondinella and other red grapes, taut on the nose with notes of laurel and eucalyptus, fresh, dense and deep on the palate, with a spicy-salty finish." Luca Gardini