What Is an Amarone Wine? Decoding the King of Valpolicella
Amarone is a powerful, italicized full-bodied Italian red wine made from partially dried (appassimento) grapes, resulting in a concentrated flavor profile and a higher alcohol content. It’s primarily produced in the Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy, and is known for its complexity and aging potential.
The Rich History and Terroir of Amarone
Amarone’s story is deeply intertwined with the Valpolicella region, a land blessed with rolling hills, a moderate climate, and fertile soils ideal for viticulture. While the region has been producing wine for centuries, Amarone’s emergence as a distinct style is more recent, often attributed to a “lucky accident” in the mid-20th century. It is said that a forgetful winemaker left a batch of Recioto, a sweet wine from dried grapes, to ferment too long, resulting in a dry, intensely flavored wine. The name “Amarone,” meaning “the great bitter one,” was born.
The Appassimento Process: The Heart of Amarone
The italicized appassimento process is the cornerstone of Amarone production. This involves drying the harvested grapes for several weeks or even months before fermentation. This drying period concentrates the sugars, acids, and flavors within the grapes, leading to Amarone’s characteristic intensity and complexity.
Here’s a breakdown of the appassimento process:
- Harvest: Grapes, typically Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, are carefully selected for their quality and ripeness.
- Drying: The grapes are laid out on bamboo racks (arele) or plastic trays in well-ventilated drying lofts (fruttai).
- Monitoring: Winemakers meticulously monitor the drying process, ensuring proper ventilation and preventing mold growth.
- Fermentation: After approximately 100-120 days, the dried grapes have lost a significant amount of water, concentrating their sugars and flavors. They are then gently crushed and fermented.
The Key Grape Varieties in Amarone
Amarone’s flavor profile is shaped by the specific blend of grape varieties used. The most important grapes are:
- Corvina: italicized Corvina contributes the primary structure, acidity, and cherry notes.
- Rondinella: This grape adds floral aromas and helps balance the Corvina.
- Molinara: While often used in smaller quantities now, Molinara contributes acidity and brightness.
- Other permitted varieties: Winemakers can also use small percentages of other native grapes, such as Oseleta.
The Art of Amarone Winemaking
The fermentation of Amarone is a slow and deliberate process, often lasting for several weeks. The high sugar concentration from the dried grapes results in a higher alcohol content, typically between 15% and 16%. After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels, further developing its complexity and structure. This aging period can last for several years, depending on the winemaker’s style and desired outcome.
The Distinctive Flavors and Aromas of Amarone
Amarone is renowned for its intense and complex flavor profile. Common tasting notes include:
- Dark fruits: Cherry, black plum, fig, and raisin are prominent.
- Spices: Cinnamon, clove, and black pepper add warmth and complexity.
- Chocolate and coffee: These notes can develop during aging.
- Earthy undertones: Tobacco, leather, and balsamic notes add depth.
Pairing Amarone with Food
Amarone’s bold flavors and high alcohol content make it a versatile wine for food pairing. It pairs well with:
- Rich meats: Grilled steak, roasted lamb, and braised short ribs are excellent choices.
- Game: Venison, duck, and other game meats complement Amarone’s earthy notes.
- Aged cheeses: Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and other hard cheeses stand up to Amarone’s intensity.
- Dark chocolate: The wine’s dark fruit and chocolate notes make it a perfect pairing for dark chocolate desserts.
Potential Pitfalls in Amarone Production
Producing high-quality Amarone requires meticulous attention to detail. Some common challenges include:
- Mold during appassimento: Preventing mold growth during the drying process is crucial to avoid off-flavors.
- Stuck fermentation: The high sugar concentration can sometimes lead to stuck fermentation, requiring careful management of the yeast.
- Over-extraction: Over-extraction during fermentation can result in a wine that is too tannic and bitter.
Comparing Amarone to Other Valpolicella Wines
Amarone stands apart from other Valpolicella wines, such as Valpolicella Classico and Ripasso, due to its unique production method and flavor profile.
| Wine Style | Production Method | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Valpolicella Classico | Freshly harvested grapes | Light-bodied, bright red fruit flavors |
| Valpolicella Ripasso | Re-passed over Amarone pomace | Medium-bodied, richer fruit flavors, some spice |
| Amarone | Appassimento (partially dried grapes) | Full-bodied, intense dark fruit, spice, chocolate |
The Investment Value of Amarone
italicized High-quality Amarone wines can age gracefully for decades, making them a worthwhile investment for collectors. Look for wines from reputable producers and vintages known for their aging potential. Properly cellared Amarone can develop even greater complexity and nuance over time.
Understanding Amarone Riserva
Amarone Riserva is a designation given to Amarone wines that have been aged for a longer period, typically at least five years. These wines often exhibit even greater complexity and concentration of flavor. Riserva bottlings are often produced from the best grapes of the vintage and represent the pinnacle of Amarone production.
Trends in Amarone Production
While traditional methods remain important, there are ongoing trends in Amarone production. These include:
- Focus on lower yields: Winemakers are increasingly focused on reducing yields to improve grape quality.
- Sustainable viticulture: Many producers are adopting sustainable farming practices to protect the environment.
- Experimentation with oak: Winemakers are experimenting with different types of oak barrels to influence the wine’s flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amarone
What is the alcohol content of Amarone?
Amarone typically has a italicized high alcohol content, ranging from 15% to 16.5% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). This is due to the concentrated sugars in the partially dried grapes used to make the wine.
How long can Amarone age?
Amarone is known for its excellent aging potential. Depending on the vintage and producer, it can age gracefully for 10 to 30 years, or even longer, developing more complex flavors and aromas over time.
What does “Classico” mean on an Amarone label?
“Classico” indicates that the Amarone wine was produced in the italicized historical heart of the Valpolicella region, considered to be the best area for growing the grapes used in the production of Amarone.
What is the difference between Amarone and Recioto della Valpolicella?
While both are made from italicized dried grapes, Amarone is a dry wine, while Recioto della Valpolicella is a sweet wine. The fermentation process is halted in Recioto to retain residual sugar.
What are the best vintages of Amarone?
Good vintages vary, but generally years with warm, dry summers and moderate autumns tend to produce the best Amarone. Consult wine critics and publications for specific vintage reports, but recent standout years include 2015, 2016, and 2017.
How should I store Amarone?
Amarone should be stored in a italicized cool, dark place with a consistent temperature (ideally around 55-65°F) and humidity. Store bottles on their side to keep the cork moist.
What is the ideal serving temperature for Amarone?
Amarone is best served slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). This allows the wine’s aromas and flavors to fully express themselves.
Do I need to decant Amarone?
italicized Decanting Amarone is generally recommended, especially for older vintages, as it helps to soften the tannins and release its complex aromas. It also allows any sediment to settle at the bottom of the decanter.
What are some reputable Amarone producers?
Some of the italicized most highly regarded Amarone producers include Romano Dal Forno, Quintarelli, Allegrini, Masi, and Zenato. Research individual producers and vintages before purchasing.
Is Amarone expensive?
Amarone is generally considered a italicized premium wine, and its price reflects the labor-intensive production process and the high quality of the grapes used. Expect to pay a significant amount more compared to a typical Valpolicella.
Can Amarone be paired with vegetarian dishes?
While Amarone is often paired with meat, it can also be paired with italicized rich vegetarian dishes, such as mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or aged cheeses with fig jam. The key is to choose dishes with bold flavors that can stand up to the wine’s intensity.
What are some common flaws in Amarone?
Common flaws include italicized volatile acidity (vinegar notes), Brettanomyces (barnyard aroma), and oxidation. These flaws can indicate improper winemaking or storage. Inspect bottles carefully before purchasing and consider purchasing from reputable sources.