From Valpolicella To Amarone

Complex delicate aromas of peonies and roses, changing into black cherries and dried red plums. There are cloves, earth and licorice, with a balsamic note and freshness. A warm, enveloping structure with velvety tannins, persistence depth, plays with the balsamic aromas. 100 days of drying, before fermentation, and aged in oak for 36 months. LA DAMA

Single vineyard Valpolicella f rom ‘La Roverina’ in Negrar, the heart of the Classico zone renowned for its mineral rich, alluvial soil. The blend is 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% mixed of Molinara and other autochthonous varieties, aged 10 months in large oak barrels to yield a medium-bodied dry red with a touch of typical assertiveness. Ruby red with spicy f ruit, a pleasing bitterish nuance and hints of almond in a wine with great food versatility.

An outstanding producer of the region, managing to interplay a subtle generosity demanded of Ripasso with the sour, pithy crispness demanded by the drinker. Or at least those of us who actually want to drink the wine rather than mull over half a glass of motor oil. Red fruit, crushed musk, lilacs, kumquats and the vaguest hint of dried grapes, showing generosity over cloying sweetness. Brisk, refined and long. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Drink or hold. NED GOODWIN MW, JamesSuckling.com

The 2022 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore mixes crushed blackberries with cloves, shavings of pine and stone dust to create its alluring bouquet. This wine is pure elegance, round and supple, with waves of ripe wild berry fruits and a twang of citrus, all supported by fresh acidity. Gently tannic and incredibly long, it leaves nuances of plum and licorice while maintaining excellent freshness and finishing classically dry. (93) ERIC GUIDO, Vinous

A riot of cherries, raspberries and Christmas cake spices leap from the glass. Subtle tobacco notes join in too. The palate is plush and suave, a wave of berries, sweet spices, licorice and fresh leather flavours are caged within a framework of bitter chocolate tannins. The're lovely length and persistance, signing off with a fine chew on the finish. It's a heady, delicious and hot blooded Italian red. GABRIELLE POY

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

35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, 10% Other traditional varieties. The wine is produced with grapes selected in the Marne bianche vineyard in Maternigo estate. The wine is obtained according to the ancient technique of Ripasso, in other words, through the refermentation of one part of Valpolicella wine produced in October on the marc of Amarone and Recioto.

A compelling bouquet of dusty dried violets, fresh coffee grounds, cocoa powder and dried black cherries makes the 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano impossible to ignore. This is wonderfully lifted and graceful in style, dense yet energetic with silken textures and polished red berry fruits that slowly saturate the palate. The 2019 youthfully folds in upon itself, leaving a bitter tinge of spice, dark chocolate and fine-grained tannins. The balance here is something to behold. The 2019 is full of potential—bury it deep. (96) ERIC GUIDO, Vinous


A certified-organic wine, the Speri 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Sant'Urbano offers medium weight and a drinkable style with hints of grilled herb, wild berry and blackcurrant. This style of easy-drinking wine offers a good alternative to the overblown red wines of the Valpolicella made with air-dried fruit that are harder to drink in hot weather and with the lighter foods we enjoy eating today. This is an approachable release of 82,000 bottles. MONICA LARNER, The Wine Advocate

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