2016 Amarone della Valpolicella
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Tasting notes
From a vineyard site in Fumane, one of the five villages in the Classico subzone of the appellation with a mix of volcanic soils, comes this richly concentrated red wine from a terrific vintage. The organic Speri 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano is fleshed out and generous, even at this relatively young stage in its evolution. This hearty and open-knit wine offers dark cherry fruit and black plum, with spice, tarry spice and campfire ash. There's nothing not to love about this bright but full-bodied Amarone made with 70% Corvina and Corvinone, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara, all aged in botte and tonneaux. Production is an ample 100,000 bottles.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano takes some time to blossom in the glass, as mineral-tinged blackberry evolves into a display of currants and cherries complemented by hints of sweet mint, lavender and violets. It’s velvety in texture and savory to the core, coasting dark red and black fruits across a medium-bodied frame, contrasted by vibrant acids, as grippy tannins form up toward the close. This finishes youthfully structured yet amazingly long, with echoes of licorice and purple inner florals. The 2016 is geared for the cellar, and in need of some time to soften, but my expectations are very high.
Plenty of dried fruit with figs and sultanas, as well as mushrooms. Full-bodied, yet integrated and polished with fine tannins and a fruity finish. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but another year or two will bring it even more together.