Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Sant’Urbano, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2020, Veneto, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Produced by Speri in the historic hills of Valpolicella Classico, the Sant’Urbano Amarone is one of the estate’s flagship wines and a benchmark expression of the style. Crafted from the traditional Amarone blend, primarily Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, the grapes undergo the classic appassimento drying process for several months before fermentation, concentrating flavors and structure. The 2020 vintage shows remarkable balance between richness and freshness, delivering depth while maintaining precision and lift.

Aromas & Flavors
Subtle yet expressive layers of dried raisin, marmalade, and dark fruit compote emerge alongside notes of ripe cherry, fig, and delicate spice. The aromatic profile reveals the classic Amarone character without becoming overly heavy, allowing fruit purity and complexity to remain in focus.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet remarkably lively, the wine moves across the palate with impressive energy. Structured tannins and vibrant acidity provide a firm backbone, giving the wine lift and elegance. The texture is rich but polished, and the finish is long, layered, and persistent, suggesting a wine that will continue to evolve and climb with further aging.

Food Pairings
This Amarone pairs beautifully with slow-braised meats, roasted lamb, venison, and rich game dishes where its concentration and acidity complement savory depth. It also shines alongside aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino, where the wine’s structure and lingering finish enhance the richness of the pairing.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced Amarone that combines power with finesse. Structured, energetic, and elegant, it delivers both immediate pleasure and strong aging potential.

Did You Know?
The Sant’Urbano vineyard from which this wine takes its name is one of Speri’s historic crus in Valpolicella Classico and is considered among the estate’s most important sites for producing Amarone with both structure and longevity.

🍷 Personal Pick
An Amarone that truly danced across the palate, rich yet vibrant, with subtle dried fruit, marmalade, and compote supported by strong structure and acidity. Delicious now, but clearly a wine that still has room to climb. — 2 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

This was enjoyable with its sweet red cherry, berry fruit with enough acid to keep it interesting, some spice, floral & tobacco — a year ago

romo

9.4

Consistent notes. Decant. A re-buy for sure. — 16 days ago

Angela Sanks

9.4

first dolchetto I’ve ever tried, really enjoyed it! — 3 months ago

Chris MacLean

9.0

Scratching that Barbera versatility itch — 10 months ago

with Sarah

Damian Walch

9.0

Nose is heavy tobacco with some leather. Very dry. Gina said rawhide leather. Licorice finish. Dirty, funky and earthy…good! Lots of charcter. — 2 years ago

Diana Sabo

10

Enjoyed the 2024 vintage on January 25, 2025 — a month ago

Tegan Marriott

9.1

A Barolo for the yearners. Myself I had high expectations for this drop. Here's a small descriptor- the flavors are commending & perfectly respectable ,alas slightly cloying. — 3 months ago

Sean Carrington

9.0

Nice, smooth fruits taste — 2 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2018 vintage — 3 years ago