From Valpolicella To Amarone

The 2021 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 opens with a spicy mix of clove, nutmeg, dried black cherries and rose petals. It is elegant in style, with silken textures and bright red berry fruit that rides a stream of cooling acidity. Edgy tannins linger, offset by a bump of residual acidity, as the 2021 finishes long and staining while still calling the taster back to the glass for more. A truly gastronomic and harmonious Amarone. (94) ERIC GUIDO, Vinous

The Tedeschi 2021 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 draws on fruit from across 25 hectares on clay marl soils at a cool 250 to 480 meters above sea level. You do notice the wine's deep inner power, starting off with a potent 16% alcohol content, but I can't help but remark on the delicate quality of the bouquet, which is embroidered with blackcurrant, lightly toasted spice and pressed red rose. There is red peppercorn and hints of toasted cumin seed over a big, but not overpowering, mouthfeel. This satisfying wine is ready to drink now. Production is 120,000 bottles. (93) MONICA LARNER, The Wine Advocate

Crisp and simple aromas and flavors of light bramble berries, pomegranates, potpourri and geraniums. Acidity-driven, with a light body and soft tannins. A super-easy, laid-back style with light sour cherries and a short, juicy finish. Very little tannin. Drink now. Screw cap. JAMES SUCKLING

Through their innovative approaches and respect for tradition, Tedeschi has set a benchmark for quality in the region. DECANTER

Tedeschi bridges the gap between artisanal growers and larger commercial houses effortlessly. Family records and the estate trace activity to the 1600s; the business form we recognise today dates from the 19th century. Today Riccardo Tedeschi heads up the production and growing for the estates. Their approach blends deep respect for tradition with a spirit of research and innovation — a nod to their pioneering roots and an ongoing pursuit of quality.

The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Ansari takes its time in the glass, initially darkly floral with an herbal tinge. Coaxing brings about an attractive blend of wild berries, violets and crushed stone. Silky and refined, this impresses with its perfect balance of ripe red and blue fruits offset by salty minerals and savory spice. Brisk acidity maintains a wonderfully fresh persona as the 2019 tapers off structured and long. Grippy tannins linger, and the mouth is left watering for more. (95) ERIC GUIDO, Vinous

The name is an acronym reflecting the names of the three siblings. Fine, pure fruit of the density and amplitude that one expects from Amarone. Yet the wine is impressively fresh, marked by a gorgeous skein of acidity that keeps it light on its feet while towing good, sappy length. A paradox of power and balletic detail, almost suggestive of a warm vintage Pinot such are the redder fruit allusions. Dangerously drinkable. An excellent, somewhat modern interpretation of Amarone. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. (95) NED GOODWIN, JamesSuckling.com

From low-density pergola vineyards planted in the 1970s in the San Vito frazione, towards the southern tip of the Negrar valley, Gabriele and Miriam Dalcanale’s regular Classico is a vibrant and juicy example of the simpler style of Valpolicella. Following a brief maceration on the skins, the must is fermented in truncated concrete tanks before about 10% of oak-aged wine from the previous vintage is added to the blend. The intention here is to make the wine immediately accessible and enhance the classic spicy notes of the Corvina grape.

Michael Garner: Clean, fresh, forward red fruit aromas with spicy notes. Light but juicy palate with crunchy fresh fruit flavours. Delicious. A classic example.

Andrea Briccarello: An array of red fruits, cherry liqueur and summer fruit pudding. Smoky, savoury hints. Long and complex with plenty of vibrant, juicy freshness.

Jason Millar: Light, with fresh strawberry, redcurrant and cranberry. Some leafiness and cleansing acidity. Lovely purity. Transparent and honest. Serve chilled with cold cuts. 
(95) DECANTER

A blend of  65%-70% corvina veronese and 30% - 35% rondinella. The grapes undergo soft pressing, then fermentation occurs in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. Ageing is carried out in stainless steel until mid-February, then for 2 months in the bottle.

A fruity wine with bright raspberries, pressed flowers, bay leaves, sweet spice and forest floor. The attack is firm, with velvety tannins, a medium to full body and crisp acidity. Chewy with a chocolaty aftertaste. A bit chalky in the finish. Drinkable now, but best from spring 2025. JAMES SUCKLING

The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is surprisingly lifted and airy in the glass, showcasing bright strawberry and cherry tones complemented by nuances of cedary spice. It is juicy in style, with silken textures and masses of ripe red and blue fruits that coast along a stream of cooling acidity. This vintage communicates refinement through the long and structured finale, coming across as savory with excellent length. Beautifully done. (95) ERIC GUIDO, Vinous