Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Speri, Valpolicella Classico Superiore “Sant’Urbano” 2022, Veneto, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Produced by the historic family estate Speri in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, this Valpolicella Classico Superiore Sant’Urbano represents the fresher, more approachable expression of the estate’s vineyards compared with their Amarone and Ripasso wines. Crafted primarily from the traditional Valpolicella grapes Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, the wine focuses on brightness, fruit purity, and drinkability while still maintaining the structural backbone typical of the region.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh red cherry, crushed raspberry, and bright plum dominate the aromatic profile, supported by subtle hints of wild herbs and gentle spice. The fruit expression leans toward juicy and slightly jammy red fruit, giving the wine a charming and inviting personality.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity and softer tannins, the texture is smooth, relaxed, and easy to enjoy. Compared with its Amarone siblings from the same producer, this wine feels noticeably lighter, more vibrant, and more fruit-forward, emphasizing freshness and immediacy over structure and power.

Food Pairings
This wine pairs beautifully with classic Italian comfort dishes such as margherita pizza, tomato-based pasta sauces, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, and simple charcuterie plates. Its bright acidity and juicy fruit make it especially versatile at the table, complementing savory flavors without overpowering them.

Verdict
An affable and relaxed Valpolicella that showcases the approachable side of the region. Fresh, lively, and friendly, perfect for casual drinking while still carrying the pedigree of a historic producer.

🍷 Personal Pick
A charming and easygoing wine compared with its bigger Amarone siblings, fresh, juicy, slightly jammy, and lifted by bright acidity with softer tannins. A very enjoyable and relaxed expression from the house. — 6 days ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

8.9

From certified organic grapes.
Classic juicy cherry fruit here. Only the most delicate of tannins but the palate carries forward with a good structure of acid. Excellent food wine. — 3 years ago

R Beechuk

9.5

Delicious dessert wine. — 9 years ago

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. — 6 days ago

Dave Montagne

8.9

At Cork49. Very bright medium body with lots of tart cherry. — 7 years ago

Steve Martinelli

9.0

Still young but you can certainly tilt this one back now. Very tannic with plenty of prunes, cherries and black olives. This is a solid Amarone.. — 9 years ago

Sean Carrington

9.0

Nice, smooth fruits taste — 2 years ago

Kim Fedor

9.6

Great! Eaten with pork and stuffed halibut — 2 years ago

Dale Garrison

9.2

More surprises. Very rich and smooth. Blackberry and liquorice — 3 years ago

Илья Кузьмичев

9.0

АСТ
Сочный ягодный аромат, специи, розмарин, базилик, перец. Все по среднему, баланс — 7 years ago