Amarone della Valpolicella: The King of Italian Red Wines

Amarone della Valpolicella is a full-bodied, dry red wine produced in the Valpolicella region of northeastern Italy. It is made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes that are dried for several months before being pressed and fermented, hence the traditional name of "Amarone", from "amaro" meaning "bitter".

History of Amarone della Valpolicella

The origins of Amarone della Valpolicella date back to the 16th century, when farmers in the Valpolicella region began to dry their grapes in order to concentrate their sugars and flavors. This practice was originally used to make a sweet wine called Recioto della Valpolicella, but in the 1930s, a winemaker named Adelino Lucchese accidentally left some Recioto grapes in his cellar for too long. The resulting wine was a dry, full-bodied red that was unlike anything that had been produced in the region before. Lucchese named his wine "Amarone", and it quickly became a favorite among wine lovers around the world.

Production of Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella is made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. The grapes are harvested in late October or early November, and they are then spread out on mats or in drying lofts to dry for several months. During this time, the grapes lose about 30% of their weight, and their sugars and flavors become concentrated.

Once the grapes have dried, they are pressed and fermented. The fermentation process can take several weeks or even months, and the resulting wine is then aged in oak barrels for at least two years. Amarone della Valpolicella is typically released for sale after four to five years of aging.

Characteristics of Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella is a full-bodied, dry red wine with high tannins and acidity. It is typically deep garnet in color, with aromas of dark fruit, spices, and leather. On the palate, Amarone della Valpolicella is rich and concentrated, with flavors of black cherry, plum, licorice, and chocolate. The finish is long and velvety, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice.

Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods. It is particularly well-suited to rich, flavorful dishes such as grilled meats, stews, and pasta dishes. Amarone della Valpolicella can also be enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner drink.

Health Benefits of Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases.

In addition to its antioxidant content, Amarone della Valpolicella also contains several other nutrients that are beneficial to health. These nutrients include:

• Potassium: Potassium is an essential mineral that helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain heart health.
• Iron: Iron is a mineral that is essential for the production of red blood cells.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that helps to relax muscles and improve sleep quality.
• Calcium: Calcium is a mineral that is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Conclusion

Amarone della Valpolicella is a unique and flavorful red wine that is enjoyed by wine lovers around the world. It is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, and it also has a number of health benefits. If you are looking for a special wine to enjoy, Amarone della Valpolicella is a great choice.

Additional Information

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

Amarone della Valpolicella is a DOCG wine, which means that it is made according to strict regulations set forth by the Italian government. These regulations include:

• The grapes must be grown in the Valpolicella region of northeastern Italy.
• The grapes must be dried for at least three months before being pressed.
• The wine must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years.
• The wine must have a minimum alcohol content of 14%.

Amarone della Valpolicella Producers

There are a number of different producers of Amarone della Valpolicella. Some of the most well-known producers include:

• Allegrini
• Bertani
• Masi
• Quintarelli
• Tommasi

Amarone della Valpolicella Prices

The price of Amarone della Valpolicella varies depending on the producer, the vintage, and the size of the bottle. However, a typical bottle of Amarone della Valpolicella will cost between $50 and $100.

Amarone della Valpolicella Reviews

Amarone della Valpolicella has received rave reviews from wine critics around the world. Here are a few examples:

• "Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the most iconic wines in the world. It is a rich, full-bodied red wine with complex flavors and aromas. I highly recommend this wine to anyone who enjoys a good red wine." - Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate
• "Amarone della Valpolicella is a truly unique wine. It is a must-try for any wine lover." - Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine
• "Amarone della Valpolicella is a world-class wine. It is a beautiful wine that is perfect for special occasions." - James Suckling, wine critic

Tables

Table 1: Amarone della Valpolicella Production Statistics

Table 2: Amarone della Valpolicella Exports

Table 3: Amarone della Valpolicella Prices

Table 4: Amarone della Valpolicella Reviews