Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Monte Sant'Urbano (2018)

About this wine

The 2000 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Monte Sant'Urbano from Speri presents a deep garnet red color, indicative of its maturity. The nose offers an ethereal bouquet of dried fruit, including raisins and figs, complemented by subtle notes of dark chocolate and coffee. On the palate, it is full-bodied and warm, with a dry, mouth-filling sensation that reflects its 15% alcohol content. This wine is produced using the traditional appassimento method, where selected grape bunches are dried for around 100 days, concentrating their sugars and flavors. Aged for 24 months in French oak tonneaux and 18 months in Slavonian oak casks, followed by 12 months of bottle maturation, it showcases a substantial structure and rare elegance, making it well-suited for extended aging.

About the grape

In the production of the 2000 Speri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Monte Sant'Urbano, the primary grape is Corvina Veronese, known for its thick skins and high acidity, making it ideal for the drying process used in Amarone wines. Corvinone, once thought to be a clone of Corvina but now recognized as a distinct variety, contributes additional tannic structure and spicy notes. Rondinella, a direct offspring of Corvina, is valued for its resistance to diseases and consistent yields, adding floral aromas and enhancing the wine's color. Molinara, though less commonly used today, imparts bright acidity and a touch of minerality, contributing to the wine's freshness. These grapes are carefully dried for about 100 days, concentrating their flavors and sugars, which is essential in crafting the rich and complex profile characteristic of Amarone wines.

Quick facts

• 🇮🇹 The name 'Amarone' translates to 'Great Bitter' in Italian, distinguishing it from the sweeter Recioto wines of the same region.
• 🏆 The 2000 vintage of this wine was highly acclaimed, receiving a 91/100 rating from Wine Enthusiast.
• 🌞 The Monte Sant'Urbano vineyard, where this wine is produced, is situated at elevations between 280 and 350 meters, benefiting from excellent sunlight exposure.
• 🍇 The wine undergoes a meticulous drying process called 'appassimento,' where grapes are dried for about 100 days, losing approximately 40% of their weight to concentrate flavors.
• 🍷 This Amarone is known for its deep garnet red color and ethereal bouquet of dried fruit, offering a full-bodied, warm, and mouth-filling experience.

Palate profile

Producer

Speri Viticoltori, established in the early 1800s, is a historic family-owned winery in Italy's Valpolicella Classica region. Now in its seventh generation, the Speri family manages approximately 60 hectares of vineyards, exclusively cultivating native grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara. In 2015, after years of sustainable farming, the winery achieved organic certification for its entire production, becoming a leading organic producer in the area. Notably, Speri was among the first in the 1970s to vinify grapes from individual plots separately, highlighting the unique characteristics of each vineyard.