2020 Buglioni L'Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto

Buglioni L’Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a confident, modern take on one of Veneto’s most iconic wines, rich and powerful yet carefully balanced and true to its origins. Sourced from hillside vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico zone, this is Amarone shaped by limestone and clay soils, good altitude and long, slow ripening, giving depth without tipping into heaviness.

The Buglioni family is relatively new compared to some Valpolicella names, but they have made a serious mark by combining traditional methods with a fresh, quality driven mindset. Fruit for L’Amarone comes from estate vineyards and is carefully hand harvested before being laid out to dry in small crates. This appassimento process concentrates flavour and structure while preserving acidity when done with patience and precision, something Buglioni takes very seriously.

The blend is classic Valpolicella, led by Corvina with Corvinone and Rondinella, and occasionally small amounts of other local varieties. In the glass, the wine is deep and intense. Dried cherry, fig and dark plum are layered with dark chocolate, sweet spice and hints of tobacco. There is a savoury edge running through the richness, notes of bitter cocoa, dried herbs and almond that keep the wine grounded and food friendly.

On the palate, L’Amarone is full bodied and generous, but not clumsy. The texture is smooth and enveloping, with ripe tannins and a long, warming finish that carries both sweetness and savoury complexity. It is a wine that invites slow sipping rather than rushing.

This is a natural partner for braised meats, game, slow cooked beef, rich stews or aged hard cheeses. It also works beautifully on its own as a contemplative wine. While already expressive, it has the structure to age gracefully, gaining further complexity and polish over time.

Buglioni L’Amarone della Valpolicella Classico shows how Amarone can be powerful yet controlled, delivering depth, warmth and character without losing elegance.