Amarone is one of Italy’s most famous red wines, and
arguably one of the most famous wines in the world – known for its ultra-rich
fruit character, full body, and decadent style.
To be called ‘Amarone’, the wine must come from Valpolicella
in the Veneto region of northern Italy, be made with air-dried grapes, and aged
for a minimum of two years.
There are three distinct quality levels to look out for on
the label when buying Amarone:
- Amarone della Valpolicella – this is the
entry level within Amarone. But quality is still very high. The wine is aged
for a minimum of two years, at least one in barrel, and has that characteristic
concentrated flavour that comes from air-dried grapes.
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico –
that word “Classico” means the grapes had to have come from a historic
subregion within the Valpolicella area. These premium grapes lend deeper, more
intense flavours to the final wine.
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva –
this is highest quality level for Amarone wines. Instead of the normal two
years, a Riserva Amarone must be aged for a minimum of four years, with at
least one in barrel. This extra ageing contributes to greater depth,
complexity, and maturity of flavour.