Allegrini : Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2020

Floral and aromatic, silky and balanced, Allegrini's 2020 Amarone Classico is a charming red. The grapes benefited from a drawn-out harvest, allowing perfect picking times for each plot. Spiced plum, raspberry, blackberry and dark cherry are marked by some baking spices and orange peel. Bold and with a touch of sweetness (3.4g/l), it’s kept in check by vibrant acidity and a balsamic herb finish, which lift it up and balance it on its toes. A blend of 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta from vineyards between 450 and 520m above sea level.

A bold interpretation of Amarone. Refined aromas of licorice, dried cherries, camphor and menthol reverberate across a compact, dense mid-palate. At this early stage, the tannins feel largely oak-derived. But there is nothing blunt about them and there is ample mineral infusion and freshness. Bottle age will serve this rich Amarone well, placating the primary fruit while transforming the wine into something far more complex. Very good. Drink or hold.

Full bottle 1,426 g. Certified sustainable (3E Equalitas Sustainable Winery). 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta. Most of the fruit comes from the Marezzane and Villa Cavarena vineyards at 450 to 520 m – cool vineyards with a wide diurnal range in summer, so sugar levels don't rise as fast but they get full phenolic ripeness. Grapes are dried in Allegrini's state-of-the-art drying facility for four months, losing 40–45% of their weight. After a gentle pressing, the wine ferments in steel tanks and ages in new barriques for 18 months, in large barrels for seven months, and in bottle for about 14 months. RS 3.4 g/l. Quite fragrant. Bitter cherry, cigar and sandalwood. The fruit has cranberry etch and cassis bass tones, and the grace notes are singing with thyme and tiny violets. Tannins strong and broad but tucked in and pleached to the fruit. It's bone dry and achingly fresh. Remarkably elegant for an Amarone. (TC)

Dark ruby with garnet reflections. Ripe fruit aromas of blackberries, cherries and plums on the nose, as well as a light tobacco note and some liquorice. Sweet and juicy on the palate, with lively acidity and gripping tannins, ending with a spicy finish.

This Amarone leaps from the glass with an array of aromas that seem daunting at first but then are as comforting as a down comforter. Opening with aromas of ripe black plums, dusted with candied violet petals, espresso and a distinct crushed chalk minerality. The palate is voluminous as dried black cherries, black tea and savory herbal flavors rush to meet the roasted coffee bean and licorice roots notes found on the compelling finish. Drink Now - 2045