All about Amarone

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%

Pairings for Amarone

braised lamb shanks with gremolata
braised lamb shanks with gremolata

Braised beef or lamb shank

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Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano
Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano

Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese

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Dark chocolate desserts or fig tarts
Dark chocolate desserts or fig tarts

Dark chocolate desserts or fig tarts

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