Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (2018)

About this wine

This Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from Monte del Frà is a deep garnet red wine with intense aromas of dried cherries, plums, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it offers a rich blend of dark fruit flavors, complemented by notes of chocolate, coffee, and subtle spices. The wine is full-bodied with fine tannins and a long, lingering finish. Produced using the traditional appassimento method, the grapes are dried for several months to concentrate their flavors before fermentation. This meticulous process results in a wine that is both powerful and elegant, showcasing the unique characteristics of the Valpolicella region.

About the grape

Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella are native grape varieties from Italy's Veneto region, particularly the Valpolicella area. Corvina, often considered the backbone of Valpolicella wines, contributes structure and characteristic cherry and plum flavors. Corvinone, once thought to be a clone of Corvina, is now recognized as a distinct variety; it adds spicy notes and enhances the wine's complexity. Rondinella, known for its resilience to diseases and consistent yields, imparts floral aromas and vibrant color to the blend. In the production of Amarone, these grapes undergo a drying process called 'appassimento,' concentrating their sugars and flavors, which is essential for creating the wine's rich profile.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The name 'Amarone' means 'Great Bitter' in Italian, distinguishing it from the sweeter Recioto wine produced in the same region.
• 🍇 Amarone is crafted using the 'appassimento' method, where grapes are dried for about 120 days, concentrating their sugars and flavors.
• 🏞️ The Monte del Frà winery, established in 1958, produces Amarone from vineyards located in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, an area renowned for its exceptional terroir.
• 🍫 The 2017 vintage of Monte del Frà's Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is noted for its complex aromas of dried fruits, spices, and chocolate, with a full-bodied and elegant palate.
• ⏳ Amarone wines are known for their longevity, often aging gracefully for 20 years or more, developing deeper flavors over time.

Palate profile

Producer

Monte del Frà, meaning 'Friars' Mountain,' was established as a monastery in 1492 by the friars of Santa Maria della Scala, who cultivated various crops, including grapes for wine production. In 1958, Massimo Bonomo transformed the estate into a family-run winery, which has since expanded to over 200 hectares of vineyards across Verona's renowned wine regions, including Valpolicella, Custoza, Lugana, Soave, and Bardolino. The Bonomo family emphasizes sustainable practices, such as drip irrigation and the use of natural pheromones to protect vines, earning certifications like SQNPI and RRR. Today, the winery is managed by the second and third generations of the Bonomo family, continuing their commitment to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.