VINOUS.COM – Valpolicella & Amarone

This still Muscat, which was conceived as the "little brother" of Torcolato and Acininobili, is a masterpiece and proves once again that Fausto Maculan is one of the world's best producers of dessert wines. Dindarello scores with a bouquet of peaches, elderberries and aromatic herbs. These aromas accompany the wonderfully full flavour right through to the finish. Its perfect balance between sweetness and acidity will ennoble any meal. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Dindarello 2022 (Moscato) enchants with a whimsical blend of peach sorbet, kiwi and fresh mint. It's round and smooth with a balanced inner sweetness that complements its candied lime notes, while tropical flowers cascade through on the inside. The finish is unexpectedly long, leaving a slight chewy sensation as the notes of sour melon slowly fade away. The 2022 is a real beauty." Vinous

"This wine's tangy acidity serves as a bright, snappy frame for exuberant flavors of tangerine, blood orange, lime blossoms and pink grapefruit granita. Just off-dry and silky, with hints of macadamia nut, tarragon and chalk on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A wonderfully sweet Moscato that offers flavours of ripe melon, delicate candied apple and flowers. Beautifully compact flavours on the medium-bodied palate and just the right balance to prolong the enjoyment." James Suckling

Dark ruby red. La Bandina is a parade Valpolicella with a very complex, nuanced bouquet of small wild berries, cherries, liquorice and tobacco. Fresh, balsamic and warm on the palate with a dark bouquet of wild berries, chocolate, coffee and plum. A long finish with a very balanced acidity-tannin structure and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red with garnet reflections. In the nose of lush raspberry and ripe forest berries, some spice and leather in the aftertaste. On the palate fruity-sweet and with light spice, with well-integrated tannin, persistent final." Falstaff

"The freshest vintage of this wine I have ever tasted. Wonderful acidity. Plum skins and scent of bruised rose petals. Deep thyme-scented cherry fruit; tannins that feel as fine but also as firm as slightly unripe cherry fruit; the scent of rose petal tea, of rooibos; the pungency of blood orange. Lovely depth on the finish with the fragrant zest and freshness of lavender." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh nose of plum fruit, along with pressed flowers, clean minerals and a hint of citrus. Opens on the palate, adding a mushroomy note to the profile that carries through to the finish. Medium-bodied with fine, unobtrusive tannins." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore La Bandina opens with a dusting of exotic spice, giving way to grilled sage and black cherries. This is remarkably pure and elegant in style, with silky textures ushering in rose-tinged red fruits as a black pepper hint emerges toward the close. Framing tannins punctuate the red beautifully as the single-vineyard La Bandina finishes spicy with an air of lavender that lingers." Vinous

Palazzotto is the name of the two hectares of vineyard where only Cabernet Sauvignon is grown. Fausto Maculan vinifies a fine wine from these grapes. A pronounced, very multi-faceted bouquet of dark ripe fruit, cassis and nuances of fine spices and violets. The fruity flavour is full-bodied and soft, with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Maculan 2018 Breganze Cabernet Sauvignon Palazzotto makes a bold statement thanks to inky dark fruit, thick ripeness and dense extraction with black fruit flavors framed by lots of sweet oak. This full-framed red has an almost exotic quality with teriyaki or barbecue spice." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Palazzotto is spicy in the glass: cedar and ground ginger give way to dusty roses and redcurrants. It is elegant yet refined, with creamy textures lifted by vibrant acidity, while a wave of mineral-tinged wild berry flavours lightly wash over the palate. The 2018 leaves a tart note of citrus and raspberry and subtle, grippy tannins that frame the wine without slowing its momentum. Although it is already showing very well now, this wonderfully balanced version of Palazzotto should improve even more with medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Ripe dark fruit with notes of walnuts, cedar wood and spices. Some leafy flavour. Medium to full-bodied with lots of firm, creamy tannins and a deep core of ripe and crunchy dark fruit. Velvety and long-lasting, with a firm, spicy finish." James Suckling

La Fabriseria comes across as an elegant, medium-bodied Amarone. Its intensity, tannin structure and density are hard to beat in this price range. Very juicy on the palate, full-bodied and soft, with notes of cherries, cardamom and cloves. And always with the elegant seriousness of the Tedeschi family's great flagship of the same name. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very deep ruby red colour. Spicy notes of white pepper and tobacco on the nose, with hints of coffee and small red fruits. Full-bodied and intense in the mouth, soft, with character, personality and pronounced tannins on the finish, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"Vibrant and fresh aromas of wild cherry and sour plum give way to exotic purple flower aromas and tobacco on the nose. The palate pops with tart red fruit notes followed by a mix of sweet and savory spices finishing with a bright pop of acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A dense nose of dried fruit, mainly plums and black berries, which opens up a little on the medium-bodied palate, but the fruit is still essentially wrapped in a cocoon of fine, slightly drying tannin. This wine clearly needs more time in bottle to develop, but it shows great promise. Try decanting it now, but best from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore La Fabriseria has sweet cherry syrup or crème de cassis that transitions to a savory side with hints of spice and tarry smoke. The wine presents bright flavors and enough structure to pair next to a heavy meat ragù and homemade pasta." Wine Advocate

"This is a long-standing and favourite Tedeschi production. The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore La Fabriseria has sweet cherry syrup or crème de cassis that fades into a savoury side with hints of spice and tarry smoke." Wine Advocate

"The Valpolicella Superiore La Fabriseria 2019 is a real delight on the nose, with an opulent blend of crushed black cherries complemented by cinnamon, cloves and cocoa. It is silky and supple, with a lively acidity that further enlivens the ripe red fruit and inner spice. The 2019 tapers off with amazing length but also freshness, leaving a subtle train of fine tannins as the raspberry and liquorice notes slowly fade. This is a real crowd favourite." Vinous

"From grapes left to slightly over-ripen on the vine, with a portion of the fruit left uncrushed for fermentation, it has a deep and perfumed blackcurrant aroma with noticeable tannic structure overlaid by incredibly smooth and plush fruit. Despite this, it's light on its feet and well balanced despite the 15.5% alcohol, lifted on the finish by a touch of balsam." Decanter

The grapes for this high-calibre Valpolicella Classico Superiore come from the rather barren, calcareous and terraced vineyards of Tenuta Novare above the Ognisanti church. Wines of greater complexity, perfect structure and higher concentration are produced here than in most other vineyards in Valpolicella. Sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Fragrant nose with wonderful overtones of sour cherry, dried flowers and white pepper. Perfectly balanced on the palate with firm tannins and wonderful spice and depth of fruit thanks to the ageing in wood. A superior, winning wine from the heart of the Valpolicella region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red colour. Initially notes of white pepper and tobacco on the nose, followed by delicate hints of small red fruits. Full and intense flavour, fruity sweetness and smoothness, juicy and slightly spicy finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ognisanti di Novare is quite pretty, with nuances of rose petals and dried strawberries. It has a soft texture, and a salty core of minerality adds a savoury flair, while the tart cherry fruit cascades across the palate." Vinous

"Offering an aromatic array of warmed cherries, plums, sun-dried tomatoes and underbrush showing a lift with hints of violets as the wine opens. A sip reveals a structure of refined tannins and a harmonious balance of tart cherry and a touch of leather with notes of black tea and roast coffee on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A medium-bodied red wine with fresh red berry aromas and flavours, showing floral, citrus and mineral nuances as it progresses. The tannins are very fine and almost chalky, soaking up more and more fruit on the ever-expanding palate. Long finish. This is a very graceful and well-made Valpo that reminds me a little of Pinot Noir. Very expressive without being loud in any way." James Suckling

"Vineyard of the same name in Arbizzano di Negrar, Corvina Veronese with a small amount of Rondinella, 12 months in French oak, a wine of juiciness and tension, notes of cranberries on the nose, with hints of marjoram, white pepper and wild mint. Firm and juicy on the palate, spicy finish." Luca Gardini

The clay content in the forest soils of this incredible, almost untouched area around Oratorio di San Lorenzo gives the wine a unique note. Rich red with blue-violet reflections. Intense on the nose with notes of medicinal herbs, ripe red berries, blood orange, pepper and spices. On the palate then very precise and clear with dark fruits, a delicious spiciness and tannins that are still firm when young. Already seductive today and then elegant and silky with increasing bottle maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

pepnose. Juicy fruit channeled through a dense network of dry, firm, super-spicy tannins. A beautiful lift of dried herbs (sage, rosemary, lavender and oregano) and, a bit like their Cabernet, this lovely savoury-sweet element that is like oven-roasted cherry tomatoes with roasted vine and white pepper. Very gouleyant." Jancis Robinson

"Dark ruby red with a violet core. Scents of thyme and tarragon, black pepper on the nose, paired with blackcurrant and orange zest. On the palate juicy, dense and compact, well-integrated tannins, goes with vigour into the long finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Carménère Carminium is remarkably floral and fresh, exuding notes of redcurrant, rosemary and ground ginger reminiscent of pepper. It is a model of purity with bright acidity lifting the mineral red fruits while savoury spices swirl through the nose. The 2019 finishes classically dry and lightly textured, leaving tart raspberry notes on the finish. This is an incredibly beautiful vintage for Carminium." Vinous

"It has a complex nose of dried thyme, tobacco, sage, tar and blackberries. Also peppercorns and cloves. It is medium-bodied, with firm tannins. Finely integrated and concentrated, with a firm finish. Better after 2024." James Suckling

The latest addition to the Guerrieri Rizzardi Amarone family comes from three cru vineyards in the municipality of Negrar, including the best Calcarole vineyard. The grapes are dried in the Pojega drying rooms for 3-5 months without any technical aids. 3 Cru is available earlier than Villa Rizzardi or Calcarole and offers complex dark fruit flavours with a very pleasant sweet spiciness on the palate. Fresh and lively, it glides into a respectable finish with plenty of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a dark core, fine garnet notes on the rim. Inviting and clear nose of preserved cherries and plums, with some liquorice in the background. Compact and full-bodied in attack and finish, lots of dark cherry, juicy, then unfolds with gripping, dense tannins, juicy, tobacco flavours on the final." Falstaff

"Very generous nose with aromas of dried fruit, roasted coffee and smoky nuances. Muscular tannins on the palate, rich." Decanter

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 3 Cru 2018 smells of crushed raspberries, cloves and a hint of mint in the glass. On the palate, it is soft and supple, not as concentrated as you would expect, with pretty red fruits and floral notes. It finishes with medium length and slightly grippy tannins as the purple florals fade away on the inside. The 2018 benefits from the juice normally used to make the Riserva Calcarole." Vinous

"An attractive Amarone, harnessing clear red fruit and camphor, with tinges of alpine cool, anise and menthol and just the right amount of oak. Pliant and palpable but not excessive. This drinks very well. I’d age it just a little longer to take the heat off the sweet fruit, but with food it might not be necessary. Long, effusive and impressive." James Suckling

Amarone Classico is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the classic Valpolicella area at the entrance to the Marano Valley. The drying process of the carefully selected grapes takes about 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures in wooden barrels for at least 3 years.

Dark cherries, plums, smoke, mint, liquorice, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals swirl around in the glass as the wine gradually opens. Lively and lively, it features an expressive and well-defined personality and seriousness. For all its depth, the 2017 edition is an almost weightless Amarone built on finesse and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shimmering ruby red. Finely marked on the nose, slightly barrel-spicy, savoury cherry and plum fruit, as well as blood orange and rosehip on the finish, white pepper. Very juicy and radiant on the palate, compact and polished, with tension and vibration until the final." Falstaff

"Exotic spices and dusty black cherry are complemented by a vivid notes of cinnamon and dried flowers as the remarkably pretty 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens in the glass. This is cool-toned and seamless in feel, coasting across the palate with mineral-tinged red berries, hints of sour citrus and exotic spices, all energized by brilliant acidity. The 2017 finishes long, lightly structured and staining without a hint of its 16.5% abv and amazing balance." Vinous

"This shows excellent intensity on the nose, with suggestive notes of sweet raspberries, Christmas spices, nutmeg and hints of salted plums, caramel and chocolate. Very flavorful, but agile and silky on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Signature Amarone warmth and bittersweet berry and chocolate in the finish, with some savory and sweet spice, too. Long and complex." James Suckling

Zenato's Amarone is all about elegance, with ripe fruit at the centre of the inviting bouquet with light notes of aromatic herbs. Powerful, sparkling ruby colour. Very appealing and multi-layered nose of plum, black cherry and a hint of leather. The palate reveals its overripe power, fine tannins and warm, expansive flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red with a broad, brightening rim. Baroque bouquet on the nose, of sultanas, preserved cherry and varnish. Powerful on the palate, slightly warming, with a fine-grained tannin structure, mouth-filling and extremely long on the tongue." Falstaff

"Very ripe nose with aromas of dried sultanas, toffee, angelica and dark plum fruit. Powerful, soft and warm on the palate." Decanter

"A harmonious version, round and medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins wrapped in a fragrant blend of macerated cherries and strawberries, tea roses and tea leaves, minerals and spices. Juicy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018 is exotic in the glass, with nuances of blood orange and mint that fade into preserved cherries and cloves. Supple and round on the entry, it impresses with its core of lively acidity and vividly ripe red fruits, which create an interplay of sweet and sour on the palate. The wine finishes with depth and concentration, but is also unexpectedly fresh and allows notes of plums and autumnal spices to linger for a long time. For this vintage, this is an extremely successful achievement. I take my hat off to Zenato." Vinous

"Very aromatic, with flavours of dried red and black fruits, including dried blueberries and dates, along with a lovely, spicy layer of nutmeg and pressed flowers. Full-bodied with an amazingly harmonious texture on the palate, thanks to the dense, very fine tannins, which also provide super length. A bright, salty, mineral note sets in and drives the finish even further. Exquisite Amarone." James Suckling

Sansonina is a strictly limited and very ambitious project of the Zenato family, using only the best grapes from their own vineyards. Only a small amount of it reaches the specialist trade each year in numbered bottles.

A textbook-like bouquet of a slightly mature Merlot with dark fruit depth and beautiful notes of graphite and flint. Warm and soft on the palate, yet punchy, very precise and dry, at the same time showing lots of dark cherries and a fine sweet spiciness. You can literally feel the Lake Garda climate in its fresh and extremely harmonious character and you can be very excited about further years of bottle ageing! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Merlot Veronese smells of herbs, crushed cherries and blueberries. It feels soft, almost creamy, with juicy acidity that balances and bright red and blue fruits that cascade. It finishes with a pleasant inner sweetness, leaving grippy tannins that retain a lovely freshness. This incredibly beautiful Merlot will capture many hearts." Vinous

"Aromas of bright and ripe black cherries vie with lightly charred roasting herbs, mild chili and dark floral notes. Full-bodied and silky with very fine tannins that are well sunk into the wine, allowing the fruit to build through the palate. Long, long finish with a gentle expansion of tannin and fruit. Classy. So tempting now, but will gain in complexity over a few years." James Suckling

The grapes for the house's Amarone classic come from the vineyards of the ancestral home in Negrar, the vast majority of them from the top Pojega site from vines over 35 years old. They are 100% dried in small boxes in the historic rooms of Pojega. The 2016 edition offers an ideal balance between bright acidity and extract sweetness. Full-bodied and concentrated, but always fresh and lively. An Amarone that has all the components to age superbly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex, well-knit nose with ripe cassis, dried berries and a twist of cumin spice piquancy dusted with cocoa powder. The full-bodied palate is marked by the full swing of dusty tannins, intense berry flavors and a lingering finish. A lovely winter wine that will warm you up with complexity and well-judged ripeness." James Suckling

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Villa Rizzardi keeps me on the edge of the glass with a captivating blend of dusty black cherry and blueberry complemented by a dusty spice box of cloves and dried flowers. This is an elegant wine with a core of minerality and bright dark red fruit that cascades across the palate. It finishes lightly structured with balsamic herbs and mocha, while the residual acids retain a lovely freshness. The 2016 is wonderfully balanced and convincing in every way." Vinous

Amarone Case Vecie takes its name from the vineyard of the same name in the municipality of Grezzana in Valpantena. This is an exceptional plot of land where the grapes ripen slowly and consistently even in the most difficult years thanks to the altitude and exposure. The late harvest makes it possible to store the grapes in a cooler season and to carry out a slow and long drying process that develops the characteristic flavours. A wine that brings out the natural characteristics of the high mountain climate: a true Amarone delle "Vigne Alte".

Intense ruby red colour. Case Vecie needs time to open up in the glass. It seduces with a rather unobtrusive but also meditative expression and draws the eye to a pretty bouquet of blackberries, lavender and violets. The palate reveals pure elegance that rests on a core of lively acidity and at the same time displays an impressive density with radiant black fruits that gain volume and depth towards the end. Cherries, sweet spices, mocha and dark, floral notes run through the dramatically long final. The harmony and balance is already astonishing and will continue to refine with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. A nose of cloves and cinnamon powder, with a fine hint of pepper and a finish of fine sultanas, rich black cherries and elegant wood. Polished and warm on the palate, with a creamy finish and ripe fruit." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Deep nose of cherry soaked in liqueur with hints of dark cocoa powder. Juicy, supple, deep cherry fruit with a thick layer of fine-grained tannins. Gripping, juicy final. The tannic weight requires more time in the bottle, but the whole is well balanced and the alcohol goes virtually unnoticed. Can age." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine, with its plush texture wrapped in sinewy tannins, shows flavours of black cherries, steeped tea, dried oregano and tea rose. It finishes with a hint of orange peel acidity and rich notes of loamy earth and spice." Wine Spectator

"Tantalising aromas of dried strawberries and raspberries, along with notes of heather-like herbs and dried citrus peel. Full-bodied with beautiful, silky tannins that embrace the fruit and provide length. In fact, this wine is very long, releasing more and more cedar and savoury dried peel for you to enjoy. An excellent 2017 from a top Amarone vineyard." James Suckling

"This single-vineyard Amarone is high in the hills of the Valpantena Valley and opens with aromas of macerated black cherries steeped in anise and clove that then evolve into notes of forest floor and dried herbs. Finesse is driven with a balance between wild plums, savory and oolong tea notes that are guided by the elegant tannins and mouth-watering acidity on the end." Wine Enthusiast

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Case Vecie 2017 is a dream come true, with a remarkably fresh bouquet of roses, violets, cedar shavings, dusty cherry and sweet smoke. This is elegance personified, with ripe red and black fruits energised by vibrant acidity as candy spices emerge. Minerals add a tactile note towards the end. Balsamic herbs and a hint of mocha resonate, while the 2017 finishes with soft tannins and a slightly bitter aftertaste that underlines the wine perfectly. This child of a warm vintage shows impressive balance and enormous potential for the future. Bury your bottles deep." Vinous

Ansari is the new star in the Tedeschi Amarone firmament. Just 6,600 bottles were produced from the debut vintage in 2016. It is named after the three Tedeschi siblings Antonietta, Sabrina and Riccardo, who also select the three barrels from which the blend is made each year.

Rich bouquet of dried fruit, sultanas, rum pot and chocolate. Firm on the palate with an excellent structure, the opulent fruit centre is joined by balsamic, herbal notes and a piquant bitter note on the long finish. The perfect addition to the top-class Amarone range from the famous family winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"This new, limited production wine is the result of a super-selection of grapes from three sites. Long appassimento and evolution in Slavonian oak barrels make for a style which is big, rich and benchmark traditional, with up-front dried fruit and sweet spice on the nose and warm, glossy roundness on the palate." Decanter

"The Tedeschi 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Ansari shows a slightly milky personality with sweet cherry fruit, surrounded by white chocolate and candied almonds." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Ansari is dark and rich in the glass with an intoxicating bouquet of crushed cherries, rosemary, mocha and sweet tobacco. The palate shows a beautiful inner sweetness contrasted by a wave of tart red fruits and exotic spices, taking on a bitter hint of sour citrus towards the finish. The 2017 finishes incredibly long, leaving a hint of primary concentration along with angular tannins that promise many more years of development. " Vinous

"Incredibly dense aromas and flavours of fresh and dried black fruits, including currants, crushed berries, dates and passion fruit, along with notes of perfumed bark and walnuts. Full and fruity with a very fine tannin structure that drives the complex fruit flavours. Very long finish. Despite the 17.5% alcohol indicated on the bottle, it shows remarkable control. So drinkable now, but it should also age very well." James Suckling

This beautiful cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from a great vintage presents itself impeccably! Deep, complex fruit bouquet, rounded off by fine sweet spices, tobacco and coffee. Punchy and textured on the palate, blackberry, raspberry and a solidly woven tannin structure in the several-minute final. A wine with great development potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Fratta lifts up with a dark and alluring display of black currants, sweet herbs, rich notes of mocha and savory brown spice. This is cool-toned and spicy, a bit lean, yet with a polished feel, showing tart blackberries offset by hints of sour citrus and toasty oak, as violet-tinged florals form toward the close. Fine tannins make themselves known throughout the finale, as this tapers off lightly structured, with hints of licorice lingering long." Vinous

"Deep, dense aromas of crushed black fruit with notes of charcoal and dried herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. The fruit envelops the lightly firm tannins on the full-bodied palate, creating a dense, velvety and lengthy mouthful. A well-crafted red that’s highly concentrated and bursting with flavor, but it also shows astute balance." James Suckling

"Here's an iconic wine from the Veneto made from a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. The Maculan 2017 Fratta shows enormous intensity, muscle and brawn. The wine has absorbed every last drop of sunshine, heat and dry weather conditions that characterized the 2017 growing season, and it does so with elegance and poise. The wine is impeccably balanced with dark fruit and spice. It's the kind of big-boned red wine you'll want to pair with a hearty dish of barbecue or marinated beef." Wine Advocate

The star from Tenuta Sant'Antonio: A rich dark ruby red, its bouquet of wild fruits, black pepper, tobacco and spices is a delight for the nose. Fruity and full-bodied, yet velvety and very sophisticated in its character - an austere, characterful and elegant Amarone, whose terrificfinish is accompanied by noble tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has distinct aromas of chocolate wheat and spiced plum crumble. Tart black fruits and balsamic freshness lurk in the mouth with streaks of tangy red fruits and dusty spices, supported by fine, grainy tannins. It's sweet and juicy and shows some chalky tautness on the palate, giving this big wine a desirable finesse." Decanter

"Ruby red with a tendency towards violet. The nose reveals clear notes of sour cherry, cherry, plum, blood orange and undergrowth, followed by floral notes of rose and violet. Gradually, spicy notes unfold. Full, juicy and fruity on the palate, with splendid tannins, finishing delicately bitter on the long finish." Falstaff

"The Tenuta Sant'Antonio Famiglia Castagnedi 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli reveals a very savory character with dried fruit, lots of plum and spicy back notes that transition to tarry smoke and barbecue. The wine is full-bodied and slightly evolved due to the hot vintage conditions." Wine Advocate

"Thick and rather syrupy dried black fruits face a wall of black pepper and toasted oak on the nose, which turns to liquorice on the palate. Any subtler, more complex character waits for now for the youthful fruit and oak to clear the main stage. And that can take some time. Nevertheless, this wine is already very pleasant to drink and will give pleasure for many years to come." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli is intense, like opening an ash stone to discover a wealth of dried black cherries, cinnamon sticks, incense and dried herbs. The texture is deep, with a balanced inner sweetness highlighted by vibrant acidity, while the depths of tart red fruits slowly saturate the palate with primary concentration. The 2017 finishes structured and dramatically long, making a case for further cellaring." Vinous

Bright ruby with light rim. Finely herbal bouquet with dark berries and delicately sweet cherry compote, plus slightly smoky notes. Builds up stately in several layers in the drink, the very elegant tannin flanks the fleshy, red berry flavour finesse-rich and velvety into a complex, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Primofiore, the under-the-radar gem of the Quintarelli portfolio, has been a favorite for many years, and the 2020 edition does a fantastic job of holding onto that title. A bouquet that mixes zests of citrus, crushed raspberries, peppery florals and ginger sets the stage. This is soft-textured, open-knit and supple, yet spicy as well, with gobs of tart wild berry fruit perfectly offset by a bump of zesty acidity. The 2020 even features a bit of crunchy tannin that adds a tactile feel to the finish, as sweet herbs mingle with hints of clove; yet the end note here is how remarkably refreshed it leaves the palate. This is the Quintarelli experience as a fraction of the price." Vinous

"My personal challenge is to bring Amarone back to the table. A wonderful food companion that combines power and complexity with a crisp, soft sip." Graziano Prà

Radiant ruby red. The aromas are intense and complex of stewed plums, cloves, sage and dark chocolate. On the palate, cherry and plum as well as a nice component of bitter cocoa and liquorice. The texture is velvety but also buoyant and juicy, with lively acids teasing the palate with mineral-tinged red fruits and sweet spices. On the complex final, the wine becomes darker and more intense, revealing blackcurrants, herbal notes and a hint of bitter coffee. Morandina offers the intensity of an Amarone but in a spicy and balanced style that is very attractive. SUPERIORE.DE

"This elegant red is medium- to full-bodied, with creamy tannins providing a fine frame for flavors of brambly red currant and blackberry fruit, pine, orange peel and crushed pink peppercorn. A subtle, savory overtone of cured tobacco and smoky bacon fat echoes on the fresh finish." Wine Spectator

"Inspired by Dal Forno, renowned Soave producer Graziano Prà purchased 13 hectares high up in eastern Valpolicella's Mezzane Valley in 2001. The previously unplanted parcel is protected by forest and has been farmed organically from the start. A relatively restrained nose shows dried garden herbs with plum and floral nuances. On the palate, fig and prune flavours are laced with cigar smoke. Velvety, malleable tannins enfold the easy to please package and the finish is bright with a pleasantly bitter edge." Decanter

"A savory and complex expression of Amarone with some dried cherries, red dates, stewed herbs, orange peel, tobacco and white pepper. Some bold green peppercorn, too. A svelte delivery of Amarone with a medium body, showing tobacco, cedar and chocolate on the palate. Long, cedary finish." James Suckling

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Morandina is dark and youthfully understated in the glass, as crushed rose petals and stone dust give way to red currants. This is silky-smooth, nearly velvety in feel, with masses of mineral-tinged black cherry and spice contrasted by a twang of sour citrus. The 2016 finishes with outstanding length and depth yet is also remarkably fresh, leaving hints of hard red candy and the slightest touch of bitter cocoa. The Amarone of Prà is always so unique but in the best possible way. The 2016 is a total gem but needs cellaring to come fully into focus." Vinous

Intense, bright ruby red colour. Very clear aroma of ripe cherries, cassis, elderberries and plums, with sandalwood, cloves and white pepper in the background. Great fruit on the palate, lots of grippy tannins, complex, long and multi-layered. An exciting, still quite young wine with enormous potential for many, many years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red with violet. Pleasant vegetal and fruity nose with woody and floral notes of roses and geraniums as well as darker roasted and tobacco notes. Firm, broad and full-bodied on the palate. Spicy and savoury tannins, great drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Tobacco leaf and freshly cut cigar on the nose. Black pepper to its white. Dark cherries, wild thyme, cranberries in cherry syrup, black olives, Darjeeling tea leaves and cumin, interwoven with sensual, deeply silky tannins. Sabrina Tedeschi says that she keeps finding minty notes in this wine, and I can understand what she means. Beautiful spirals of blood-orange acidity that run up and down the wine. Long, persistent and, like all Tedeschi wines, exquisitely balanced - there is something truly regal about this wine." Jancis Robinson

"This rich red evokes the traditional style of Amarone with its dark focus and notes of stemmy herbs, iron and fresh earth, but the juicy core of black plum and reduced cherry flavours, supple, chalky tannins and overall integration and balance show the precision and pleasure of a modern approach. Long, beautiful finish." Wine Spectator

"The lowest Amarone parcel, on calcareous subsoil. A 'big boy', as the winery calls him. Expansive in the mouth, with a thick tannic spindle spooling up porcini mushrooms, terracotta, cloves, thyme, aniseed and polished leather. A hint of balsamic on the long and influential finish. This is a magnificent wine with power and precision." James Suckling

"The Tedeschi family has vinified the Monte Olmi vineyard separately and there is no wonder why. The wine greets you with a combination of ripe dark plums, black cherries and an almost framboise note. The rich wine is firm and gripping, with the primary flavors mirroring the nose. The wine ends with a change of pace—an herbal and rocky minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Monte Olmi 2016 has a woody character that blends perfectly with the aromas of macerated plums, sage, cedar shavings and cocoa. The palate is enveloped in an opulent, silky texture, while a core of juicy acidity lends an attractive sweetness to the tart wild berries and exotic spices. The 2016 finishes with fine tannins and lingering concentration, with raspberry and clove nuances slowly fading away. It is a beauty, but it needs further ageing to show its best side." Vinous

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi 2016 is one of the top wines in the Tedeschi portfolio and clearly raises the intensity threshold in terms of fruit weight, power and alcohol. Dark fruit and plums give way to candied fruit and cherry liqueur. The tannins are present but so skilfully integrated that they are neither bitter nor astringent. In fact, the mouthfeel is probably the best and most unique feature of this wine." Wine Advocate

"Tedeschi's historic Amarone, which comes from 2.5 hectares of vineyards in Pedemonte di Valpolicella in the Classico area. The higher clay content compared to the chalky soils of the Maternigo estate emphasises its great, dense and powerful character. Fragrant aromas of potpourri contrast with hints of meat broth and rich black fruit. Concentrated and focused, the red and black fruit flavours combine with balsamic freshness and a very good acidity that lightens the monolithic weight. On the finish, nuances of violets and red fruits combine with chocolate, coffee and spices, carried by a chewing gum-like acidity. Wow!" Decanter

The name says it all: Marne means marl soil, on which the vines for this marvellous Amarone grow. They are over 20 years old and lie in an ideal 180° direction, from south-west to south-east. Rich, shiny ruby red colour, compact bouquet with intense aromas of plum, black cherry, green tea and tobacco, with a fine chocolate note in the background. The body, coated in fine berry fruit, develops a dynamic flavour experience on the palate with a sweet fruit melt, firm tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red in colour. Notes of ripe red fruit, cherries, redcurrants, blueberries with a slight hint of mint. Structured on the palate with warm and enveloping notes, present, well-integrated tannins. Long and juicy finish." Falstaff

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 from the 2019 vintage is savoury and quite mineral and opens with various wild berries, herbal notes and brown spice. A juicy blend of ripe red and black fruits unfolds on the palate. Salty minerals slowly saturate and give the wine more traction towards the end. The 2019 finishes with a burst of inner sweetness contrasted by chewy concentration and framing tannins, leaving behind tart cherry and sage nuances." Vinous

"Almost coffee-coloured, dried red berries on the nose, developing into a full, silky palate with fine tannins that are well integrated into the wine, carrying the intense berry and dark cherry fruit into a long finish." James Suckling

"This lush yet well-balanced Amarone opens with aromas of black currant, wild blackberry dusted with wild herbs, sweet spices and pepper. Crushed black cherries, espresso and violet notes hold court on the structured palate, which is backed by a minerality and finishes with ripe tannins." Decanter

"Balsamic nose full of complex aromas of ripe dark plums, sultanas, black cherries, chocolate and spicy notes of meat juice. The palate is warm, broad and intense, supported by a lively acidity." Decanter

Amarone Calcarole is only produced in small quantities in the best vintages and has officially been allowed to bear the label Riserva since the 2015 vintage. The single vineyard of the same name is located above Villa di Rovereti in the heart of Negrar in the Valpolicella Classico region. The vineyard offers ideal conditions for great red wines due to its particularly warm climate and stony soil as well as its south-western exposure. The grapes are 100% dried in small crates in the historic rooms of Pojega. A wonderfully intense balsamic wine with memories of rosemary oil, damp forest floor and dried ginger. On the palate, complex berry flavours and a wonderful depth, Calcarole is thoroughly masculine, energetic and powerful, with tightly woven tannins and clearly structured. SUPERIORE.DE

"Showing a savory and earthy character, the Guerrieri Rizzardi 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Calcarole offers a mix of dried spice, bitter chocolate, dark fruit and herb. This is a full-bodied Amarone from a classic vintage that sits at an encouraging place in its drinking window. The alcohol measures an imposing 17%, but the wine actually goes down easier than you might expect. There is sweetness on the close with candid cherry or blood orange." Wine Advocate

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Calcarole 2016 is a sleeping giant with an abundance of crushed blueberries and black cherries accompanied by blood orange, allspice and mocha. This wine is deep and velvety in texture, with cooling mineral tones and vibrant acids contrasting with the rich red fruits on the palate. Balsamic spices and inner rose tones linger as the 2016 finishes with sweet tannins that frame this red wine perfectly. It is stunningly beautiful, but beware of the 17% alcohol content." Vinous

Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. On the palate flavours of cherries, blackberries and wild berries, in the long finish the invigorating fresh impressions of medicinal herbs. A dense, polished and stately wine of the upper class. SUPERIORE.DE

"A masterpiece of polished perfection from Corvina, Rondinella and Oseleta for 48 months in large oak casks. Black cherries, liquorice, rhubarb, a mentholated touch on the olfaction, rich and multifaceted. Juicy, persistent, with a return of black fruits and mentholated on the palate." Luca Gardini

"Extremely complex notes of sweet plums, black cherry syrup and dried flowers with a powerful tannin core and illustrious structure. Long and persistent with an herbaceous note on the finish." Decanter

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato is very classic Zenato style, with macerated cherries, sultanas, sweet herbs, cocoa, black pepper and cedar chips. This wine is very structured, with a dense wave of mineral-coated dark red fruits and balsamic spice supported by a core of bracing acidity. Mocha and clove mingle with blackcurrant and olive as the 2017 finishes dramatically long and powerful. There is just so much going on here, and more is guaranteed to come with ageing. It's also worth noting that the 2017 has a residual sugar content of just 3.3 grams. This wine is as serious as it gets." Vinous

"This is one of those wines where the nose lingers long in the glass to savour the complex aromas that range from raspberries to dates, fragrant bark to polished wood, pressed flowers to fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied, dense and concentrated with fine, well-integrated tannins, plenty of fruit flavours and an endless finish." James Suckling

Brigaldara's Amarone Riserva is a wine born from the desire to interpret Valpolicella in its most original form. The strictly selected grapes that form its basis are chosen from the best vineyards in order to maximise the potential of the estate's own vineyards in Valpolicella.

Garnet red in colour, with aromas of preserved fruit, spices, sour cherries and hints of tobacco and cocoa. Brigaldara's Riserva is a large, concentrated "old-school" Amarone with a good dose of residual sugar and volatile acidity, which give the wine its unmistakable style and lend it plenty of complexity. This uncompromising and rich Amarone hits all the right notes: Mocha, old leather, smoke, tobacco and liquorice are just some of the exciting components of its long, personality-rich and distinctive finish. An energetic wine with a balance between fruit and power, which plays with its class and depth and has secured a place in the appellation's list of best wines thanks to its complex and deep tertiary flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shining, noble ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Elegant wood on the nose, ripe berry fruit, dried tomato, comes in several waves, incense, cherries, raspberries, very complex. Very elegant on the palate, with notes of black tea, tightly woven tannins, lots of juiciness and fruit, extremely elegant Amarone with plenty of verve." Falstaff

"Very dark ruby in colour. Interesting, dense and lifted nose of peppery cherry, damson and plum, with a hint of pine and creaminess from what I suspect is oak. Smooth and well balanced. Almost defies its 16%. On the palate, it doesn't come across as bulky, and it has the right amount of supple tannins. A little warmth on the finish, but without the often distracting sweetness that this type of wine usually has." Jancis Robinson

"This wine gracefully combines taut, sculpted tannins with a tarry minerality and a detailed flavour profile of dried cherries, plum jam, tobacco and cocoa nibs. Medium-bodied and silky on the palate, with an orange peel acidity that cleanses the finish." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, liquid Riserva with beautiful dried fruit and nutty, cedar-like influences. Also floral notes and dried peel. Full and silky, with a residue of red, savoury tannin coming through at the end. Very pretty now, but it will age for a long time." James Suckling

"Aromas of black plum and spice cake rise from the glass of this rich and heady Amarone. As the wine progresses, notes of dark chocolate and espresso follow through to dried thyme and violet notes. The rounded and rich tannins provide a structured and straightforward finish, while on the palate the tart red and dried black fruits mingle with sweet spices, leading to an earthy finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva San Floriano smolders up from the glass with a smoky blend of dried black cherries, blood orange and grilled herbs. This is a perfect mixture of elegance and purity, with silken textures and polished red fruits flowing across a lively stream of acidity. It’s youthfully dense and powerful yet also restrained, finishing with a web of fine-grained tannin that clamps down hard as hints of licorice and sour orange slowly taper off. It will take a good deal of time for the 2013 to come fully into focus, but it will be worth the wait. In 2013, the Riserva hailed entirely from the Case Vecie vineyard." Vinous

Crosara Breganze 2017 is a textbook Merlot: full of ripe dark fruits, blackberry pie, liquorice, chocolate, toasted oak and grilled herbs. Offering superb inner sweetness, it is both powerful and elegant, with a lush, super-soft mouthfeel. Pleasingly, a wonderfully focused mineral component saves the wine from ever being overdone. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep nose with tapenade and olives on top of the minty blackberries, tar and black spices. Very compact and dense on the palate, with very firm tannins and fresh, medium acidity. A little tight and chewy, with a hint of bitter chocolate in the finish. Give it some time. Try in 2024." James Suckling

"The 2017 Crosara is deep and sweetly scented with violet and lavender perfumes giving way to black currants. This is textural and velvety in feel, with ripe red and black berries complemented by sweet spice and vibrant acidity. It tapers off long and floral with grippy tannins framing the expression nicely, and a twang of sour citrus perfectly completes the expression. The Crosara is a varietal Merlot from partially dried grapes." Vinous