Bertani Amarone Classico 2016

Bertani Amarone Classico 2016 (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico) is a monumental, deeply complex, and world-class Italian red wine that represents the pinnacle of traditional, uncompromising winemaking in the Veneto. Crafted from a meticulous hand-harvested blend of Corvina and Rondinella grown on the historic limestone-marl slopes of the Tenuta Novare estate, the grapes are dried on bamboo racks for over 120 days via the ancestral appassimento method. After slow fermentation, this flagship cuvée undergoes a staggering seven years of aging in large Slavonian oak barrels. It pours a dark, intense ruby color, unfurling an extraordinary, multi-layered bouquet of prunes, sweet tobacco, and dried black cherries, interwoven with notes of cocoa powder, truffles, wood smoke, and wild lavender. On the palate, this full-bodied masterpiece delivers remarkable transparency and old-school elegance. A dense, silken wave of plush black plums and dark chocolate is effortlessly enlivened by a tight-knit, unexpectedly zesty acidity, while opulent, velvety tannins frame a beautifully savory finish accented by balsamic spice, rhubarb, and roasted nuts.

Food Pairing: This powerful and meditative red pairs magnificently with slow-cooked wild boar ragù, braised beef cheeks, roasted venison with a berry reduction, truffle-infused dishes, or mature, pungent cheeses like aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, and Gorgonzola.

97 Points - James Suckling