~ The Gateway to the Piazza Bra, Verona ~ |
The “Big Bitter One”.
Amarone Fast Facts
Basic Style: As a wine, Amarone is often full bodied with a very ripe tasting fruit profile as a result of the way the wine is produced. Typically tannic, and usually lower in acid than other table wines, Amarone often possesses higher alcohol levels – 15% is toward the bottom range as 14% is the legal minimum.
~ Allegrini’s Palazzo della Torre Estate near Verona ~ |
~ The Colosseum in Verona was built by the Romans and is an active venue to this day ~ |
~ This Amarone comes from the “Classico” area of the Valpolicella production zone ~ |
A few years back I attended a winemaker dinner with Christian Scrinzi, the winemaker for Bolla that really opened my eyes to the new direction he is taking the Bolla products. Yes, Bolla still crafts lower end wine for mass consumption, but they are producing a broad stable of excellent wines that compete with their contemporaries at various price points. Several Bolla wines were part of this report and they showed very well.
The 2010 Bolla “Le Poiane” Ripasso is a deep ruby color – very dark, with violet reflections. Fresh and lively on the nose with smoke, plums and Christmas spices, this is a joy to smell. Concentrated flavors on the palate of cherry compote, baking spices and plums are well delineated and not at all raisened. This is very well done and an exciting Ripasso. 91 points and a steal at SRP ~ $17 Much of Le Poiane is destined to on premise establishments, but it can be found or special ordered.
~ This paired nicely with spaghetti with gorgonzola and walnuts ~ |
So the above review naturally begs the question: What is a Ripasso? Actually, it’s very simple. As mentioned above, Amarone wines are produced from grapes grown in the Valpolicella zone. Naturally, Valpolicella is also produced from within the zone. Wines that are simply labeled Valpolicella are just that. Wines that bear the “Ripasso” designation are generally more serious wines and the notation is the winemakers way to inform you of a process the wine has undergone.
Ripasso means “re-passed” and what happens is this. When Amarone is made, the resulting wine is run off the grape must and bottled. The remaining must in the fermentation vessels is then left and the Valpolicella destined to become “Ripasso” is then passed over the Amarone must in an attempt to strengthen the wine and impart some of the Amarone characteristics to the Valpolicella. Success depends on the winemaker, but typically, “Ripasso” shows more complexity, fuller body and richer characteristics than a generic Valpolicella. Scrinzi shared his philosophy with me: “My goal in making Ripasso is not to produce a strengthened Valpolicella, but instead, a weakened Amarone.”
~ Vineyards at Brigaldara ~ |
The “La Brigaldara” winery is located outside the village of San Floriano in the Valpolicella area just to the north of Verona. It is perched on a slope near the mouth of the Marano Valley, one of the four valleys which make up the “Classico” area of the Valpolicella producing region.
The estate covers 50 hectares of land including property, vineyards and olive groves. Adjacent to the villa which is used as a home by the Cesari family, is the farmhouse which houses the recently modernized winery.
The 2008 Brigaldara Amarone is a medium ruby to dark brick in color and clocks in at 17% alcohol. Yes, you read that right. This is 50% Corvinone, 20% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% various other grapes and is barrel aged for one year in barrique and 2 years in tonneaux. On the nose the wine has aromas of Christmas spices, clove, vanilla and white pepper. This wine is all about spices. On the palate there is a huge core of cherry fruit that does not appear to be completely dry. Residual sugar? Slightly raisiny with lots of blackberry liquer. This is too much. Not really crafted for a meal, but maybe dried fruit, cheese and nuts. Overdone for my tastes. You’ll need to like the style to see the value here. 86 points. $60 retail.
~ A different beast with aged gouda and nuts. This is too much for a meal ~ |
~ Cru Amarone from Sartori – Crafted by Franco Bernabei ~ |
~ The unexciting Amarone from Corte Majoli ~ |
~ Casa di Julietta & her balcony – Verona ~ |
In 2006, Sartori introduced a premium collection of Veneto wines crafted by Bernabei at its new winery, I Saltari which lies just east of Verona. The winery is named after the mercenary vineyard guardians known in native dialect as “Saltari”. During the 18th century, these sentinels were hired by vineyard owners to keep thieves from making off with their grapes. With the legal authority to shoot the bandits on sight, the Saltari were feared defenders of the vineyards.
~ Pretty color to this premium Amarone crafted by Franco Bernabei ~ |
Creso, Italian for Croesus, is named after the ancient King Croesus of Lydia. It is said that the first gold coins in the history of the world were minted in Lydia (modern day Turkey) and in that vein, only the “most precious materials available are used for Creso.” Translation? Grape selection is severe, is carried out by hand, and dutifully watched by Bolla’s winemaker Christian Scrinzi.
Creso is unique. It’s a Veronese IGT blend that is 70% Corvina and 30% Cabernet. However, the Cabernet is harvested and left to dry like an Amarone for up to 30 days. This concentrates the flavors in the Cabernet, which is then vinified and blended with the Corvina. Creso is aged in 2nd passage barrique to minimize the influence of oak on the wine.
The 2010 Bolla Creso is the inaugural vintage of this wine. The color is dark reddish purple, with violet reflections at the rim. Rich aromas of blackberry, baking spices, leather and mint are evident on the nose and palate. The balance between acid and tannin is nearly perfect and the wine finishes long and elegantly. This medium to full bodied wine is drinking beautifully right now and it’s hard to resist. Despite it’s charm and approachability, and the fact that it lacks major tannic structure, the balance is there and I’m intrigued to see what this becomes with age. 92 points, about $17-$20.
~ A new wine from Bolla: 70% Corvina and 30% Cabernet ~ |
As good as the 2010 is, the 2011 Creso is even better. Alongside grilled hangar steak with rosemary roasted potatoes this wine was absolutely stupendous. It’s a lovely deep purple color – almost opaque. On the nose, the wine is a harmony of scents. Christmas pudding, soft leather, baking spices, blackberry and plum. On the palate, the tannins are silky and masterfully integrated. The flavors follow the nose with excellent like and balanced acids keep the wine fresh and juicy. I can think of wines 5 times the price of this that are not nearly as good. To up the ante, I’m buying a case of this. 95 points. About $17-$20.
~ Hail to the King. A case purchase here! ~ |
As I mentioned above, Regolo Sartori was the son of the founder who turned the Sartori wine business into the company’s core direction. In his honor, the following wine is produced.
The 2011 Sartori Regolo is 100% Corvina from estate grown vineyards. The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel and then is barrel aged in a combination of medium and large casks for 18-24 months.
In the glass, the wine is a vibrant violet color with slight lightening at the rim. Aromas are plentiful and feature powdered cinnamon, red plums, spice and menthol. Leaning more toward the red fruit spectrum than black on the palate, the flavors follow the nose and are well balanced. Medium bodied, with refreshing acidity this is ready to drink now. Delicious with roasted chicken. 89 points. SRP ~ $28. Likely available for less.
~ Very pretty wine and the perfect foil for comforting roasted chicken ~ |
The next wine hails from the walled Palazzo of Allegrini pictured above; and it’s a super bottle of Veronese red and an excellent value.
The 2009 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre, named after the Allegrini family home, is a deep vibrant ruby in the glass with purplish violet hues. The nose of the wine is redolent with Alpine herbs, flowers, dark cherries and a hint of saline. On the palate, the flavors are fresh, juicy and lively. There’s a moderate amount of complexity, with black cherry, slight licorice, and toast flavors woven together seamlessly. The slight raisined character to the wine comes through as well, a subtle nod to the ripasso method that is used to create this wine. The bonus here is that this wine is consistently reliable and typically widely available. Well done! 90 points, about $17-$20.
~ As you can see on the label, this is predominantly Corvina and Rondinella ~ |
As you can see by many of these notes, most Amarone are hearty, hefty, full bodied wines that often do not lend themselves to an easy match with food. Although the aforementioned Sartori Corte Bra could fit into that category, their next wine is much more restrained.
The 2010 Sartori Amarone is a deep violet color in the glass. At first blush, it looks more refined and elegant; less of a bruiser and it’s 15% alcohol portends the same. On the nose, the wine displays ripe berry fruit with cinnamon and other spices. In the mouth, the wine distinguishes itself from others. It’s brighter, livelier with slightly more “acidic lift” than others. Cherry, tobacco, mineral and earth notes are pleasant and assert with good length. Definitely easier to pair with food but maybe a shade less complex. 90 points, and a decent value at $40.
~ The 2010 is the newest release. I think a year or two in the cellar will also aid this wine’s complexity ~ |
If it’s not already clear, there’s a renaissance at Bolla that bears watching. The next wine is another example of Christian Scrinzi’s influence over the direction.
The 2008 Bolla Amarone is a medium ruby with slight lightening toward brick at the rim. The color belies the vibrancy of the wine in a way because at first sip, this wine is alive. On the nose, there’s lots of crushed plums, fruit cake spices, dried fig and tobacco notes. On the palate, the wine is lively and juicy with a large core of ripe cherry, clove, cinnamon and sweet herbs. This is really delicious and an excellent value relative to other Amarone. 91 points, SRP $40-$45. Paired wonderfully with my Pork Amaretto.
~ Bolla’s Amarone is primarily is Corvinone, Corvina and Rondinella ~ |
Finally, can Amarone only be red? Will, technically the answer is yes. But with creative, intriguing winemaking, a white wine can be fashioned in the Amarone model. And the results are impressive.
The 2011 Sartori Ferdi is a Veronese IGT made from 100% Garganega grapes that are grown on rocky, sloped vineyards east of Verona. Like its red counterparts, the grapes for Ferdi are hand picked and then left to dry for 40 days while the berries shrivel and concentrate flavors. The wine is then pressed and sits on the lees for 6-7 months which imparts more body to the mouthfeel of the wine.
On the nose, the wine displays exotic aromas of guava, pineapple, flowers and minerals. Intriguing. On the palate, this medium to full bodied white has a lovely core of white peach fruit backed by wet river stones, mineral, and pineapple. Crisp acidity keeps the wine fresh despite the viscous nature of the body. An excellent pairing with my Pasta Primavera but would be equally delicious with Carbonara. 89 points, about $20 retail.
~ Unique – both in its production method and its body ~ |
Closing Remarks
The knock on Amarone is two fold. First, the wines are expensive because of the intensive production techniques and the aging requirements. Second, the flavor profile of the wines, often coupled with higher alcohol levels makes pairing with food difficult. Often times I’ve referred to Amarone as a “Dry Port” and I think that’s an apt analogy in many cases.
The best food pairings I’ve found for richer Amarone are classic matches:
- Fruit, cheese, and nuts
- Lamb Shank Osso Bucco w/ Risotto Milanese
- Spaghetti with Gorgonzola & Toasted Walnuts
Beyond that, the brighter versions of the wine, such as the Sartori Estate bottling or the Bolla Amarone paired well with my Pork Amaretto.
Perceptions of Bolla aside, the “white label” wines from this producer are simple, straightforward wines meant for early consumption by a broad range of consumers. However, the tan/parchment label wines from Bolla are seriously made wines for discriminating drinkers and deserve consideration because they’re also excellent values.
Sartori is on a major roll right now. With Andrea Sartori’s commitment to excellence, demonstrated by the hiring of Franco Bernabei, this will be a winery to keep on your radar.
Finally, Christian Scrinzi told me once: “You can’t drink Amarone everyday”. Like other regions, the workhorse red is the Valpolicella and the Ripasso versions are hearty, complex wines that are more easily paired with food than their full bodied cousins.
Salute!
Very nice review, John. Ferdi is an interesting white, I tried it last year wt the wine bloggers conference. I would be interested to see ABV for all the wines you tasted – lately, a lot of producers get it to 16%+, but fail to achieve the balance of Carlisle or Turley Zins… Also, with dramatically increased demand, the planting areas also dramatically increased to include lesser quality fruit…
Grazie amico for commenting. It's funny, I have rarely thought of Carlisle or Turley Zins being the model for restraint or balance! The Amarone are not that fruity and I suspect that's where the balance seems off. I mentioned many of the levels in the reviews above but in places where I didn't, it's safe to say they were around 15 to 15.5%.
You mention demand… I didn't know that. What have you seen in that regard and do you mean for Amarone or Veneto reds in general?
Again, thanks for reading and taking the time to comment! Cheers..
grazie for posting this great insight into lesser known and less expensive Amarone and Veneto wines! i'm always looking for new producers and wines to experience…Salute!
Hi Steven, Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate the feedback. Amarone can be prohibitively expensive and it would have been easy to review Quintarelli and Dal Forno, but not that useful for many of my readers. Thanks again!