Amarone is one of the most overlooked "great" wines of the world. In Italy, the attention falls to Barolo, Brunello and the range of "Super" Tuscans, while Amarone languishes in obscurity. 

Which is a shame because it is easily the most accessible, crowd-pleasing yet serious red of them all. If you enjoy Cabernet, Syrah or Zinfandel, you should definitely give one of these a shot as well. 

So what is Amarone? And why am I steering drinkers of domestic reds its way? 

"Amarone della Valpolicella is an intensely flavored dry red wine made from dried (passito) grapes. The amarone style developed as Veneto's winemakers searched for a way to increase the body, complexity and alcohol content of their wines. Wines made from locally grown Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, the reviving Oseleta and the increasingly phased-out Molinara can sometimes be too light to give satisfaction. These three mainstays of the Valpolicella vineyard are not renowned for their inherent depth, a deficiency compounded by the cool growing conditions of western Veneto. In order to concentrate the natural sugars and aromatics in Valpolicella wines, local producers began drying their grapes after harvest, to remove water from the berries while retaining sweetness and flavor. 

The grapes are picked in whole bunches and kept in drying rooms (with warm temperatures and low humidity) where they stay for anywhere from three weeks to three months. When the drying process (known as appassimento in Italian) is complete, the grapes are gently pressed and the must is fermented to dry. The grapes' high sugar content means a higher potential alcohol, so a complete fermentation results in a strong wine of 15 or 16 percent alcohol by volume. This is then aged in barrels for at least two years before commercial release." wine-searcher.com

The result is an intense, full-bodied dry red, loaded with dark fruit and spice. Ahhh... now you see it... That one line description could just as easily be describing Cabernet, Syrah or Zinfandel! So dive right in!
Buglioni Amarone Classico il Lussurioso 2016

Sale $59.99

No review - 2015 was 95 pts James Suckling

I'm super excited for the 2016s... an historically long growing season has resulted in the most elegant vintage since 2000. You can play connect the dots if you like... the Superiore from Buglioni was rated 92 pts in 2016, up from 90 pts in 2015. So, is the 2016 Amarone better than the 95 pt rated 2015? You bet your straw mats it is! (Amarone used to be dried on straw mats...)

60% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, 5% Oseleta. 16.3% alcohol. 3 g/l rs.  "The power but also vibrancy of the fruit on the nose is very impressive. Dark plums, incense, tar, dried meat and elderberry compote are out in full force. The soft fruit would be enough in itself, but its enveloped in meaty, chewy tannins that give this imposing structure and form. The finish is long and powerful and the hints of earth give a savory edge to this robust Amarone." JS on 2015

"Dark ruby-red in color with garnet shades. Intense and elegant aromas of ripe fruit, raisins and spices with vanilla, tobacco, cocoa and anise. Persistent, warm flavors, velvety and harmonious. This is a wine for meditation — a protagonist on its own. It is traditionally paired with game, grilled beef, stew, braised meat and mature cheeses, however, the smoothness of its dry fruit allows for modern and daring pairing…have you ever tried it with raw prawns or scampi?" winery note

Me? I'm dying to make some bacon-onion jam... serve with lamb or beef, seasoned generously with black pepper. Click on the pic for a recipe!


Or reply. The wine will be available Wednesday in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.