Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Capitel De' Roari (2019)

About this wine

The 2019 Luigi Righetti Capitel De' Roari Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a deep ruby red wine with complex aromas of dried cherries, plums, and sweet spices. On the palate, it offers rich flavors of dark and dried fruits, complemented by notes of chocolate and almonds. The wine is full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long, smooth finish. This Amarone is produced using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are dried for several months to concentrate their flavors. The Righetti family has been crafting wines in the Valpolicella region since 1909, bringing generations of expertise to this exceptional wine.

About the grape

Corvina and Rondinella are two key grape varieties in the production of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico wines. Corvina, often making up 45–95% of the blend, is prized for its rich cherry flavors and high acidity, which contribute to the wine's structure and aging potential. Its thick skins make it particularly suitable for the appassimento process, where grapes are dried to concentrate sugars and flavors. Rondinella, typically comprising 5–30% of the blend, is valued for its resistance to disease and consistent yields. While it has relatively neutral flavors on its own, Rondinella enhances the wine's color and supports the drying process due to its good sugar accumulation. Together, these grapes form the foundation of Amarone wines, each bringing unique qualities that define the wine's character.

Quick facts

• 🏡 The Luigi Righetti estate, established in 1909, is a family-run winery located in Valgatara, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone.
• ⛰️ The name 'Capitel de Roari' refers to the various plots of vineyards where grapes are obtained for this Amarone, situated on the finest hills of the Valpolicella Classica.
• 🍇 The grapes for this Amarone are picked in bunches during September and placed on mats to dry until January or February, concentrating their flavors.
• 🛢️ After fermentation, the wine is aged for three years, partly in oak barrels and partly in French barriques, enhancing its complexity.
• 🍒 This Amarone exhibits complex aromas of dried fruit, black cherry, sweet spices, and almonds, with a hint of anise.

Palate profile

Producer

Established in 1909 by Angelo Righetti, the Luigi Righetti winery is a family-run estate located in Valgatara, within Italy's Valpolicella Classico region. The winery has been passed down through generations, with Luigi Righetti taking the helm in the 1940s and his son, Gian Maria, assuming leadership in 1985. The estate is renowned for producing traditional wines such as Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso, Amarone, and Recioto, while also incorporating international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz into their portfolio. A notable feature of their winemaking process is the use of subterranean cellars, some located six meters below ground, providing optimal conditions for aging their wines.