Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico D.O.C.G. 2021, 0,75 L

If there’s one name synonymous with Amarone, it’s Allegrini. For generations, this Fumane-based winery has been one of Valpolicella’s flagship producers – and with this vintage, they’re proving once again why.

The grapes – mainly Corvina Veronese and Corvinone, supplemented by a little Rondinella and Oseleta – come from the Marezzane and Villa Cavarena vineyards at altitudes of 450 to 520 metres. After being hand-harvested in September, they are traditionally dried in a drying room for three to four months, during which time they lose up to 45 per cent of their weight. Only then are they pressed and fermented in stainless-steel tanks for 25 days. This is followed by a maturation period of at least 18 months in barriques, a further seven months in tanks and another 14 months in the bottle before the wine is even released for sale.

In the glass, it is deep red with intense fruit: dark cherries, plums and a hint of violets, accompanied by black pepper and Mediterranean herbs such as thyme. With aeration, notes of forest floor, graphite and subtle toasted notes of nuts, figs and vanilla emerge. On the palate, it is powerful and dense, with ripe, well-integrated tannins and a finish that simply won’t end.

The 2021 vintage got off to a late start due to a cool April, but was then able to develop perfectly in September thanks to the right temperature fluctuations – resulting in particularly healthy, intensely coloured grapes. Enjoy it with risotto all’Amarone, pappardelle with mushrooms, stews or a well-matured cheese. Best served at 18 degrees and allowed to breathe a little beforehand.