The best Amaroni

The Legend of Amarone

Amarone, according to legend, was born by chance from an error during the vinification of the sweet raisin Recioto. A bottle 'escaped' from the fermentation stop and turned into a 'bitter' Recioto, surprising for its lack of expected sweetness. In 1936, Adelino Lucchese, oenologist at the Cantina sociale della Valpolicella, discovered the forgotten wine, calling it an'Amarone'.

From 1938, the first bottles were put on the market, but it was not until 1953 that the red wine was produced by choice and not by luck, achieving great national and international success. Amarone classico has thus established itself as one of Italy's most prestigious reds, whose fame grows vintage after vintage.

The production regulations for Amarone wine

The production regulations for Amarone wine were approved in 1968, together with the recognition of DOC Valpolicella. In 2010, a new regulation established an autonomous appellation with strict rules and high quality standards.

Amarone is only made from the typical red grapes of Valpolicella:

• Corvina Veronese (45-95%)
• Rondinella (5-30%)
• Corvinone (no more than 50%)
• other red grapes such as Molinara (maximum 10%).

The production area is limited to Valpolicella, with the mention 'Classico' for some sub-areas.

In order to guarantee high quality grapes, the regulations prohibit fresh, flat or valley floor soils, and provide for specific training systems. The maximum yield is 12 tons of grapes per hectare, with sorting of the bunches up to 65%. The wine must reach a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14%.

Amarone: pairing and tasting

Amarone della Valpolicella lends itself to wonderful food pairings. Its intense and structured character goes perfectly with savoury and complex dishes. Ideal with grilled red meats, braised meats and game, as well as mature cheeses such as pecorino and parmesan cheese. Its velvety warmth envelops game dishes and roasts, while the slight residual sugar makes it a perfect accompaniment to chocolate desserts and dry pastries. A meditation wine, also perfect to enjoy away from meals, to enhance special moments.

Best Amarone della Valpolicella: vintages and producers

Among the most popular vintages are 2010, characterised by extraordinary concentration and structure, and 2013, with unique elegance and complexity. Among the top producers, Tommasi, with its Amarone Classico, offers an unforgettable sensory experience. Allegrini stands out for Amarone with spicy and fruity notes, while Zenato stands out for its softness and aromatic persistence. Another excellent choice is Masi's Amarone wine, prized for its balance and refinement. On Xtrawine, you will find a selection of the best vintages and the most prestigious producers, to best savour the Great Red of Valpolicella.