Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (2016)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Italian red with rich flavors of dried fruit and spice.
About this wine
The 2016 Recchia Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a deep ruby red wine with an intense bouquet of dried fruit, jam, and Mediterranean spices. On the palate, it offers a velvety, well-rounded, full-bodied taste, with a fine balance between acidity and softness. This wine is produced using the traditional 'appassimento' method, where grapes are slowly dried before being softly pressed and left on the lees to obtain its full color. It is then matured in oak barrels and aged in the bottle, resulting in a complex and elegant wine that is a symbol of Valpolicella, noted and appreciated worldwide.
About the grape
Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, and Rondinella are the primary grape varieties used in crafting Amarone della Valpolicella Classico wines. Corvina Veronese, often called the "queen" of Veronese grapes, is prized for its rich cherry and plum flavors, and its thick skins make it ideal for the drying process known as appassimento. Corvinone, once thought to be a clone of Corvina but now recognized as a distinct variety, contributes spicy aromas and a robust structure to the blend. Rondinella, named for its dark color reminiscent of a swallow's plumage, adds floral notes and enhances the wine's color and resistance to disease, making it valuable during the drying process. Together, these grapes undergo appassimento, concentrating their sugars and flavors to produce the rich, full-bodied profile characteristic of Amarone wines.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The name 'Amarone' means 'Great Bitter' in Italian, distinguishing it from the sweeter Recioto wine produced in the same region.
- 🏡 The Recchia family has been producing wine in the heart of Valpolicella since 1906, combining traditional methods with modern technology to enhance quality.
- 🌞 The 2016 vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella was exceptional, with favorable weather conditions leading to high-quality, flavorful grapes.
- 🔥 Amarone wines are known for their high alcohol content, often exceeding 15%, due to the concentration of sugars during the drying process.
- 🍇 The Recchia Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is matured in oak barrels and then aged in the bottle, resulting in a complex and well-rounded wine.
Palate profile
Producer
The Recchia family has been producing wine in the heart of Valpolicella, Italy, for over a century, with their roots deeply embedded in the Negrar valley. Embracing both tradition and innovation, the latest generation has expanded the winery and incorporated modern technology to enhance wine quality. Their vineyards, located in the Valpolicella Classico area, cultivate traditional grape varieties like Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, essential for iconic wines such as Amarone and Recioto. The estate's picturesque location, near Verona and Lake Garda, features terraced vineyards framed by dry stone walls. Recchia's commitment to excellence is evident in their global presence, retail tasting experiences, and the expansion of their wine cellar. Their dedication to preserving local traditions while embracing innovation ensures their wines remain a benchmark of quality.
