2016 Cantina Danese Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto

Cantina Danese Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is crafted in the historic Valpolicella Classico zone, the original heartland of Amarone where steep hills rise behind Verona and vines dig deep into limestone, clay and ancient seabed soils. These sites are cooler and more ventilated than the valley floor, giving grapes thicker skins, brighter acidity and far greater aromatic detail. The Danese family has been growing fruit here for generations, quietly mastering the slow, patient rhythms that define great Amarone. After hand harvesting, Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella are laid out in traditional fruttai, airy drying lofts where cold Alpine breezes gently dehydrate the grapes over several months. This ancient appassimento process concentrates not only sugar and flavour but also the savoury, herbal and spice notes that make true Valpolicella Classico so compelling.

The wine opens with a deep garnet colour edged in ruby, immediately releasing aromas of dried sour cherry, plum, fig, cocoa powder, sweet spice and a distinctive hint of balsamic and dried rosemary that reflects the hillsides of the Veneto. On the palate it is full bodied yet beautifully balanced, with rich layers of Amarena cherry, dark chocolate, espresso and clove wrapped in velvety tannins and lifted by a thread of natural freshness. Oak aging adds polish and complexity rather than dominance, allowing the vineyard character to shine through. This is a wine made for long, generous meals and slow enjoyment, perfect with braised beef, venison, wild boar ragu, mushroom dishes and aged Parmigiano Reggiano. In the cellar it will comfortably evolve for ten to fifteen years, gaining more truffle, leather and savoury nuance as the fruit softens.