Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (2012)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich, full-bodied red wine with complex flavors of dried fruits, spices, and a velvety finish.
About this wine
The 2011 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a deep garnet red wine that offers a complex bouquet of dried fruits, including prunes and cherries, complemented by notes of licorice and spices. On the palate, it presents a harmonious balance of red berry flavors, softened by subtle hints of vanilla, with a perfect equilibrium between acidity and tannins. This wine is produced using the traditional 'appassimento' method, where grapes are air-dried for about 120 days, concentrating their sugars and flavors. Aged for 6-7 years in large Slavonian oak barrels, it develops remarkable depth and longevity. This Amarone is known for its elegance and ability to age gracefully over decades.
About the grape
Corvina Veronese and Rondinella are two key grape varieties native to Italy's Valpolicella region, each playing a significant role in the production of Amarone wines like the 2011 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. Corvina Veronese, often making up 45–95% of the blend, is prized for its rich color and ability to impart flavors of cherry and plum. Its thick skins are particularly suited for the drying process used in Amarone production, concentrating sugars and flavors. Rondinella, contributing 5–30% to the blend, is valued for its resilience to diseases and consistent yields. It adds floral and herbal notes to the wine and enhances its color. Notably, Rondinella's high sugar accumulation makes it ideal for the appassimento process, where grapes are dried to intensify the wine's body and complexity.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 2011 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is crafted from Corvina Veronese and Rondinella grapes, which are carefully dried for about 120 days to concentrate their flavors.
- 🛢️ This wine undergoes a lengthy aging process, spending approximately six years in large Slavonian oak barrels, followed by at least 12 months of bottle maturation, resulting in a complex and harmonious profile.
- 🍒 The 2011 vintage exhibits intense red color with garnet shades, offering aromas of plum, cherry, and morello cherry, complemented by notes of tea leaf, licorice, and spices.
- 🍷 On the palate, it presents flavors of red berry fruit, balanced with soft spice notes, and a perfect harmony of acidity and tannins, making it a wine of extraordinary longevity.
- 🏰 Bertani's Amarone is renowned for its traditional production methods, maintaining a timeless style that reflects the rich heritage of the Valpolicella region.
Palate profile
Producer
Bertani Winery, established in 1857 by brothers Giovan Battista and Gaetano Bertani in Quinto di Valpantena, Italy, is renowned for its pioneering contributions to Italian winemaking. Gaetano, having studied under French viticulturist Jules Guyot, introduced innovative techniques that elevated the quality of their wines. In 1958, Bertani produced its first Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, a style that has since become emblematic of the region. The winery's commitment to excellence was recognized in 2023 when it was named Winery of the Year by Gambero Rosso.
