Amarone Wine Description

Amarone della Valpolicella, commonly known as Amarone, is a distinctive dry red wine from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. It is made using the appassimento method, where harvested grapes (primarily Corvina, with Rondinella and Molinara as secondary varieties) are partially dried to concentrate their sugars and flavors. This process results in a rich, full-bodied wine with high alcohol content and complex flavor profiles. Amarone wines are known for their intense, bold character and are considered some of Italy’s most prestigious red wines.

Appearance:

• Color: Deep ruby to garnet, often with a dense, opaque appearance due to the concentration from the drying process.
• Opacity: High, indicating a wine with significant extraction and concentration of color and flavor.

Aroma:

• Primary Aromas: Dark fruits such as black cherry, plum, and raisin.
• Secondary Aromas: Hints of dried flowers, such as violet and rose, along with notes of herbs, licorice, and spices like cinnamon and clove.
• Tertiary Aromas: With age, Amarone can develop complex aromas of dried figs, tobacco, leather, and dark chocolate, showcasing its aging potential.

Flavor Profile:

• Fruit Flavors: Dominated by dark fruits like black cherry, plum, and blackberry. The drying process adds notes of dried fruit such as raisins and figs.
• Other Flavors: Amarone often exhibits flavors of dark chocolate, licorice, coffee, and sweet spices. The wines may also have earthy or smoky undertones.
• Oak Influence: Significant, as Amarone wines are typically aged in oak barrels for several years, contributing flavors of vanilla, toast, and a hint of caramel.

Structure:

• Body: Full-bodied, with a rich and opulent mouthfeel.
• Tannins: High, providing a firm structure and the ability to age for many years.
• Acidity: Medium to medium-plus, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the wine’s richness.
• Alcohol: Ranges from 15% to 16%.