2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
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Tasting notes
45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta planted in clay-chalk at 450–520 m in elevation (for the last 10–15 years, Matteo Allegrini says, most of the grapes come from the Villa Cavarena vineard at 500 m). Vines 39 years old, dry-farmed, certified sustainable (3E Equalitas). Grapes dried for 100–120 days – they don’t want too much dryness, says Allegrini – then fermented spontaneously in stainless steel; then 18 months in 500-litre tonneaux and large Slavonian casks. TA 5.5 g/l, pH 3.41, RS 2.7 g/l. 100,000 bottles made. Cherrywood colour, showing some age; temptingly sweet and spicy in scent. What a lovely texture, silky and smooth, rich in cherry flavour but with a translucence that gives it grace and makes it almost dangerously easy to drink given the >16% alcohol. That alcohol is imperceptible, completely melded into the fruit, but this would be especially good with just a light chill on it to bring out the spice and focus on the elegance. Allegrini says he likes this especially with Indian food. (TQT)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,426 g. Certified sustainable (3E Equalitas Sustainable Winery). 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta. Most of the fruit comes from Marezzane and Villa Cavarena vineyards at 450 to 520 m – cool vineyards with a wide diurnal range in summer, so sugar levels don't rise as fast but they get full phenolic ripeness. Grapes are dried in the Allegrini's state-of-the-art drying facility for four months, losing 40–45% of their weight. After a soft pressing, the wine ferments in steel tanks and ages in new barriques for 18 months, in large barrels for seven months and in bottle for about 14 months. RS 3.4 g/l. Quite fragrant. Bitter cherry, cigar and sandalwood. The fruit has cranberry etch and cassis bass tones, and the grace notes are singing with thyme and tiny violets. Tannins strong and broad but tucked in and pleached to the fruit. It's bone dry and achingly fresh. Remarkably elegant for an Amarone. (TC)
The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is surprisingly lifted and airy in the glass, showcasing bright strawberry and cherry tones complemented by nuances of cedary spice. It is juicy in style, with silken textures and masses of ripe red and blue fruits that coast along a stream of cooling acidity. This vintage communicates refinement through the long and structured finale, coming across as savory with excellent length. Beautifully done.
Full bottle 1,426 g. Certified sustainable (3E Equalitas Sustainable Winery). 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta. Most of the fruit comes from the Marezzane and Villa Cavarena vineyards at 450 to 520 m – cool vineyards with a wide diurnal range in summer, so sugar levels don't rise as fast but they get full phenolic ripeness. Grapes are dried in Allegrini's state-of-the-art drying facility for four months, losing 40–45% of their weight. After a gentle pressing, the wine ferments in steel tanks and ages in new barriques for 18 months, in large barrels for seven months, and in bottle for about 14 months. RS 3.4 g/l. Quite fragrant. Bitter cherry, cigar and sandalwood. The fruit has cranberry etch and cassis bass tones, and the grace notes are singing with thyme and tiny violets. Tannins strong and broad but tucked in and pleached to the fruit. It's bone dry and achingly fresh. Remarkably elegant for an Amarone. (TC)