Wines from Veneto

Inama's Garganega flagship is named after the wide terraces with rows of old Garganega vines trained in beads on Monte Foscarino. In 2019, thanks to the optimal orientation and careful cultivation, a selection of the best grapes was reserved for I Palchi, which will now only be released on the market in the best years in very limited quantities. It is the archetype of a Soave Classico from volcanic soils and a more than successful, independent interpretation of the Garganega grape.

Deep, rich straw yellow colour. Delicate, highly elegant nose of white flowers, stone fruit and meadow herbs, rounded off with a lovely spiciness and a hint of flint. Full-bodied on the palate, with a firm creaminess, dense, ripe fruit and complex, mineral components. A dream in velvet and silk, carried by a well-proportioned acidity and with an impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Inama 2020 Soave Classico Foscarino Grande Cuvée I Palchi has spent an extra year in oak barrel and shows some evolution with dusty mineral flavours framing stone fruit, peach and tropical notes. It is a soft, full-bodied white wine from a sunny and hot vintage that offers a higher degree of opulence and a subtle hint of sweetness on the finish." Wine Advocate

"Intense straw yellow colour with a drop of gold. The nose initially has salty hints, then noble, toasted wood, hazelnuts, quinces and a little dried pineapple, with a white chocolate aftertaste. Very creamy on the palate, very fresh and very juicy, shows great balance and a lot of tension, light creaminess supports the saltiness, balanced for a long time and very complex." Falstaff

"Aromas of freshly cut white flowers, almonds, peaches and melons gradually unfold. The mineral-driven palate highlights the wine's distinctiveness, with apple and lemon undertones. Layered and textured, this wine will evolve beautifully with age." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Soave Classico I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée unfolds slowly in the glass, becoming more floral with time as the aromas of crushed stone and flowers, undergrowth and pear transform. It is silky smooth, with a balanced and attractive sweetness and juicy acids that motivate the ripe apple and green melon flavours within. Then the minerality emerges, mingling with pretty inner flowers and ginger spice on the long and structured final. This wine could develop into a masterpiece. The Foscarino Grande Cuvée was aged exclusively in thirty-five hectolitre barrels in 2020." Vinous

"Beautiful nose of white peaches, mango, jasmine, waxed grapefruit, thyme and a hint of salted sourdough. Pronounced salty, ashy minerality. Medium-bodied, lively and structured. Stony and crisp, yet creamy and flavourful. A serious Soave. The second vintage of an old grape variety from the historic, volcanic vineyards of Monte Foscarino." James Suckling

Inama's Garganega flagship is named after the wide terraces with rows of old Garganega vines trained in beads on Monte Foscarino. In 2019, thanks to the optimal orientation and careful cultivation, a selection of the best grapes was reserved for I Palchi, which will now only be released on the market in the best years in very limited quantities. It is the archetype of a Soave Classico from volcanic soils and a more than successful, independent interpretation of the Garganega grape.

Deep, rich straw yellow colour. Delicate, highly elegant nose of white flowers, stone fruit and meadow herbs, rounded off with a lovely spiciness and a hint of flint. Full-bodied on the palate, with a firm creaminess, dense, ripe fruit and complex, mineral components. A dream in velvet and silk, carried by a well-proportioned acidity and with an impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with elegant green reflections. Appealing nose of ripe lemon, cold smoke, exotic undertones, candied pineapple, sugared coconut, cold herbal tea on the final. Very nice melting on the palate, with a racy-salty undertone, polished, with beautiful play, mouth-watering in the final and with fine length." Falstaff

"Grown on wide terraces on the Monte Foscarino, this Soave showcases Garganega's importance as one of Italy's great and noble white grapes. The nose opens with aromas of fleshy white peach, Fuji apple, acacia honey, dried yellow flowers and subtle hints of baking spice. Rich and full in body, yet graceful at the same time, the wine has notes of roasted orange peel, apricot and pear all dusted with baking spices and finishing with a crushed stone minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The Soave Classico Foscarino Grande Cuvée I Palchi 2021 is what they describe as the most representative target for this wine. Made from 100% Garganega, the wine is beautifully structured and fresh, almost crisp and very detailed with peach, honeydew melon, exotic fruits and crushed oyster shells. I Palchi consists of terraced vineyards with 50 to 60 year old vines that are trained using a pergola-rafter system. Garganega is a very vigorous grape variety. The choice of oak wood is carefully considered here." Wine Advocate

"The Soave Classico I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée 2021 has a platinum gold colour and a youthful, intense bouquet that blends raw almonds with stone dust, dusty dried flowers and Asian pear. It seduces with its silky texture and supple personality, washing over the palate with crisp, ripe fruit accompanied by a savoury mix of spicy herbs and minerals. The 2021 tapers dramatically long and fresh, leaving an aftertaste of mint and liquid stone." Vinous

"Wow. This is fantastic with mangoes, lemons, pears and a hint of vanilla. Mineral flavours too. Full-bodied with bright fruit and a lively finish. Lots of minerality. A selection of the best grapes from Inama in the Grand Cru Foscarino. Outstanding." 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

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"The 2013 Oseleta is dark and brooding, yet also seductive, with balsamic spices, cocoa and mentholated herbs giving way to cinnamon-dusted black currants. It envelopes the palate with silky textural fruits yet quickly gains in tension as stimulating acidity and sour citrus nuances collide under an air of rosy inner florals. This finishes structured, coating the cheeks with fine-grained tannins as licorice and tobacco traces fade. The 2013 Oseleta is a wild wine yet still years away from its optimal drinking window. That said, I doubt the acidity will ever back down, so plan to enjoy it with a hearty stew or fatty cut of meat." Vinous

"Enticing aromas of baked cherries with dried red and purple flowers follow through to a tight and focused, medium-bodied palate with plenty of fruit and still active tannins. Finishes crisp and quite tart. Such a young feel for a 10-year-old red. From one of the traditional red-grape components of the Amarone blend, here showing what it can do as a solo act." James Suckling

Very noble Vespaiolo brandy from the best vintage marc from Breganze with an intense summery fruit bouquet of gooseberry, apricot, raspberry, fig and peach. Vinous on the palate, with accents of bitter chocolate, marzipan and raspberry on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vintage grappa made from marc of Vespaiolo grapes. In the nose of green apples and fresh figs with floral hints. On the palate marzipan, nutmeg. Harmonious and well balanced." Falstaff

Distillate full of character from the marcs of Torcolato dessert wine with a rich aroma of berries and fruit, wonderfully round and fresh in the mouth, with fine acidity and a slightly peppery bitter note. An extremely successful grappa! SUPERIORE.DE

"Vintage grappa made from pomace of Vespaiolo grapes, as used for the dessert wine Torcolato - i.e. air-dried. (Torcolato means hanging up, the grapes are hung up). Harmonious aromas of dried fruit, candied fruit, apricot and cereals. Soft and velvety on the palate, fruity peach notes. Dry tannins in the finish." Falstaff

Acininobili Bianco Passito is a stunning interpretation of the indigenous Vespaiola grape, offering impressive depth, complexity and personality. It is a superb dessert wine made from grapes that were air-dried for up to 120 days after harvest and developed Botrytis cinerea during the careful appassimento process. Basically, the same Vespaiola grapes are used here that are used for Torcolato. At the end of the drying process, the grapes that have developed noble rot are hand-selected and passed into this precious wine. If the noble rot does not appear, this wine is not made.

The rare result is truly exceptional with a deep aroma of candied orange peel, maple syrup and golden honey. Monumental and viscous in the drink, this alien elixir coats the palate with smooth and even waves of magnificent intensity. This is grape juice in purezza! SUPERIORE.DE

"Not too sweet, the 2018 Acininobili Bianco Passito is in fact special in its delivery of sweetness versus complexity, with dried fruit, apricot, honey, beeswax and tropical fruit. This viscous, full-bodied expression of Vespaiola shows some light spice and toasted almond." Wine Advocate

"Quite a discreet and restrained nose for this subtle passito. Fine honeysuckle, apricot, pickled kumquat with subtle sultanas and turmeric. Also some wet stones and butterscotch. The palate is supple and silky with a lovely gliding acidity. Great balance with quite a long, lively finish. Quite effortless." James Suckling

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

"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

Brilliant ruby red colour. The aromas are intense and complex with notes of stewed plums, cloves, sage and dark chocolate. On the palate, cherry and plum as well as a beautiful component of bitter cocoa and liquorice. The texture is velvety, but also lively and juicy, with lively acids that tantalise the palate with mineral-tinged red fruits and sweet spices. In the complex final, the wine becomes darker and more intense, revealing blackcurrant, 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

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Morandina is youthfully coy, slowly evolving with a delicate blend of dusty rose, stone dust and dried strawberries. This displays fantastic balance, cooling and crisp, with silken textures and depths of red and black fruits that slowly saturate. Crunchy tannins resonate as the 2017 tapers off dramatically long and staining, leaving a pleasantly bitter twang and saline minerals to linger on." Vinous

Capo di Stato has long been a legend thanks to its top quality and history. The cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbech was created by Conte Loredan Gasparini. A wine rich in finesse in the classic Bordeaux style, dense and of outstanding structure with flavours of spices and red fruits. Fascinatingly ripe tannins, skilfully integrated into the new French barrique in which the wine was matured for two years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Great interplay of spicy aromas on the nose, pepper, cassis, leather, tobacco, then again red pepper, liquorice, forest berries on the finish. Extremely juicy and balanced on the palate, fruit and acidity are well balanced, with pressure, currently still showing young tannins at the back, already pointing to a long life." Falstaff

"This is a historic wine worth the search if you like drinking history. Made from old clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, the wine exudes the dark plummy notes you would expect, with a deep earthy and savory element. Fine, yet firm tannins give the full-bodied wine gravitas as the deep dark fruits yield to cedar, tobacco, clove and worn leather." Wine Enthusiast

"A juicy, medium-bodied red wine with lovely earthy funk, dark olive and pepper notes in the spiced black cherry fruit. Supple palate with firm but silky tannins complementing its fleshy dark cherry core. Good-natured. Better from 2024." James Suckling

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

"This wine comes from my family's historic vineyard. It is a wine that is the result of long reflection, study and experimentation, where nothing has been left to chance: Monte Grande is to be my great Soave wine." Graziano Prà

Monte Grande is the house's white cru and a blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano di Soave of great complexity with ideal ageing potential. Deep bouquet of exotic fruits and rocks with a fine citrus note. Multi-layered and spicy on the palate, intense and sharply focussed, with mineral notes and a pretty salty core. Beautifully crafted acidity, with notes of orange zest and almonds on the long finish. A terrificmasterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe fruit on the nose, from pineapple to gooseberry and a hint of snowberry. Medium-bodied with a gentle honey note competing with stony minerals that colour the finish. A powerful Monte Grande." James Suckling

"A rich petrol note on the nose that underlines the flavours of blood orange, pink grapefruit granita, blanched almonds and white flowers on the palate. The generous, expressive profile of this wine is well tamed by well-balanced acidity and a hint of salinity on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A vibrant mix of wild flowers, yellow apples and ground ginger form a captivating bouquet as the Soave Classico Monte Grande 2021 blossoms in the glass. It is round and supple, with cooling minerality and fresh acidity that gives a wonderful lift to ripe stone fruit and minty herbal notes. A hint of lime and a saline note give the 2021 a lovely finish that is long and colourful, but graceful and floral. What a treasure." Vinous

"Aromas of an elegant bouquet of white blossoms, crushed stones and ripe apricots. Its palate elegantly navigates between a silky texture and a vibrant acidity, culminating in a flinty minerality that captures the essence of the Soave landscape." Wine Enthusiast

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

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

"Bright ruby red. Fragrant nose, of ripe cherries and ripe plums, dried rose petal, underpinned by fine spice. Compact and noble on the palate, with beautiful juice, shows tight, polished tannin, tightens up nicely and lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"There’s a tight bead of dried red berry and koji berry running through this from start to finish. Along the way are still firm tannins that even out the full-bodied feel and create a focused engine to drive the fruit through the long finish. Feels like a new-wave style of Amarone, with tighter control applied to the dried-fruit character. Delicious now, but will benefit from another year in bottle. Try from 2023." James Suckling

"The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Calcarole is dusty and floral, unexpectedly lifted and airy, showing dried roses and cherries offset by a hint of sweet smoke. This is opulent and rich, like crushed velvet on the palate, with mineral-tinged raspberry and cherry complemented by confectionary spices and balsam herbs. The 2015 somehow maintains amazing energy and finesse but make no mistake about it, this is a big and ripe style for Amarone. That said, you can’t even notice the 17% abv." Vinous

Capitel Monte Olmi 2017 takes things to another level. It coats the glass with a deep purple glow and exudes a dark and seductive bouquet of redcurrants, sultanas, black liquorice and a hint of spiced citrus. The deep, velvety texture is complemented by juicy acids and tart red fruits that drench everything they touch, leaving a complex layer of savoury spices, minerals and fine tannins. This wine is structured, long and full of character, but with a balance that will carry it for many years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red with garnet reflections. Very intense aromas of blueberry, black elderberry, ripe plum, sandalwood, chocolate and tobacco leaf on the nose. Powerful and very fruity on the palate, delicately spicy and dense, with fine tannins, very balanced final with great drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Blackberry pie, sweet and savoury spices, woody herbs and violets swirl in the glass. In the mouth, it's lush and creamy, with cooked plums and black cherries on the mid-palate accompanied by anise, clove and pepper, finishing with fine tannins and bright acidity. The wine shows the 2017 vintage with its concentrated richness, but there is enough acidity to hold the wine together." Wine Enthusiast

"It starts with oak aromas on the nose, but as soon as you put the wine in your mouth, the bright dried berries begin to unfold and soak up the oak flavours, leading to a full-bodied, long and balanced finish. Although the flavour spectrum is not particularly complex at this stage, this wine is well-structured and already approachable. But Amarone fans will certainly want to cellar this wine, as the enormous ageing potential is obvious from the first sip." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi is youthfully coy, slowly blossoming with swirling to reveal notes of cocoa, clove, lavender and dried black cherries. Creamy and seamlessly silky, this soothes the palate with its cooling acidity as masses of ripe red and blue fruits slowly saturate. A bitter tinge of dark chocolate lingers along with a tart berry concentration, all framed by crunchy tannins. This is an excellent effort for this warm and dry vintage. Its balance is spot on." Vinous

"One of the most traditional wineries in Valpolicella, ancient wisdom combined with modern intuition. A Riserva made from Corvina, Rondinone, Rondinella and other red grapes, taut on the nose with notes of laurel and eucalyptus, fresh, dense and deep on the palate, with a spicy-salty finish." Luca Gardini

Kairós is the "little Harlequin" in terms of grape variety composition and is always produced in the years when its big brother is not in production. This is really not a flaw, because with its comparatively attractive price and above all its crazy blend of four white and 12 red grape varieties, it is an incredibly fleshy and juicy wine with an impenetrable, dark appearance. The bouquet is equally charged, almost voltaic, with rich layers of dark fruit that remain surprisingly airy and fresh despite the considerable weight and concentration. This is a wine of extremes, but there is no doubting its mad drinking pleasure and the harmony it offers to the senses. However, you need to be in the right mood, because only then does the eclectic Kairós blend offer an intoxicating and incomparable experience with guaranteed memorable value. SUPERIORE.DE

"There's plenty to savour on the nose, from baked cherries and red berries to graphite and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied with the same broad spectrum of complex flavours, tamed a little at the moment by firm, clean tannins. An interesting blend of 16 indigenous and international grape varieties, 12 red and four white. It's still approachable now, but will develop into something very special after another year or two in the bottle." James Suckling

Capo di Stato has long been a legend thanks to its top quality and history. The cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbech was created by Conte Loredan Gasparini. A wine rich in finesse in the classic Bordeaux style, dense and of outstanding structure with flavours of spices and red fruits. Fascinatingly ripe tannins, skilfully integrated into the new French barrique in which the wine was matured for two years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, dark ruby red colour. Great expression on the nose, fine and fragrant, on elderberries, ripe cassis, with fine mint, some earth and leather in the background, inviting. Great juiciness and freshness on the palate, tightly woven, salty tannins accompany the course, elegant and clear until the long final. Still young at the moment, put it away and enjoy fully in a few years." Falstaff

"A spicy red showing mulberries, paprika, chilis and sour cherries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky tannins. Lots of texture. pepat the end." James Suckling

Exquisite brandy with a powerful, nutty aroma, underpinned by fine toasted aromas. Deep and spicy with a lush structure, soft and warm from the onset to the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

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

Tenuta Missoj is a small vineyard in Mizzole with just 3.5 hectares of vines and is owned by the Campagnola family. The vineyards extend at an altitude of 200 metres on a well-ventilated and exposed hill where the grapes can reach perfect and complete ripeness. The grapes for this Amarone Riserva come from single vineyards and the wine is aged for 24 months in new barriques made of Fleur de Quintessence oak in medium to lightly toasted Allier oak with very fine grain. Further ageing of the wine takes place in the bottle for another 12 months.

Deep ruby red colour with garnet reflections. Developed, fragrant, spicy bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, cherry and vanilla. Intense, soft and pervasive taste, fine tannin structure. Slight bitter almond note on the finish, typical of high-class Amarone, very long and with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried blueberries, raspberries, citrus and tea leaves. Medium to full body, a subtle casing of foursquare tannins to surround ripe but agile berry fruit and a muscular finish. Drink from 2022." James Suckling

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