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%

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Pairings for Amarone

Braised beef or lamb shank

The wine’s robust tannins and rich fruit flavors complement the savory, slow-cooked meat, enhancing the depth and complexity of both the dish and the wine.

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Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese

Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, often referred to as the "King of Cheeses," boasts a complex flavor profile with nutty, fruity, and savory notes. This hard, granular cheese matures for 12 to 36 months, intensifying its umami and crunchy texture due to crystallized proteins. Pecorino, made from sheep’s milk, offers a sharper, saltier flavor and varies in aging. Both cheeses elevate dishes from pasta to risottos, salads, and soups. Parmigiano-Reggiano is particularly famous for its rich flavor that pairs well with wines, while Pecorino's tanginess shines in Italian cuisine.

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Dark chocolate desserts or fig tarts

Dark chocolate desserts, especially fig tarts, offer a luxurious blend of rich cocoa flavors and the natural sweetness of figs. This combination creates a decadent treat, perfect for special occasions or a delightful indulgence. The sweetness of figs balances the bitterness of dark chocolate, while spices like cinnamon enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a harmonious dessert experience.

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