Nose - Crayons (in a good way), Old wood barrels and Petrichor. Main tastes - Muted fruit flavors because it’s so soft and smooth on the tannins for the most part. Maybe a bit of crab apples from the acid. Really approachable food wine. I love Montepulcianos so I’m a bit bias here with my rating but overall it’s really nice. — 6 months ago
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2021
Torre d’Orti – Veneto, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
A traditional Amarone crafted primarily from Corvina (with Corvinone), Rondinella, and a small percentage of Molinara, produced using the appassimento method (partially dried grapes). 17% ABV. A powerful expression leaning rustic rather than refined in this vintage.
Aromas & Flavors
Dried cherry, baked plum, subtle fig, light cocoa, faint walnut and restrained raisin tones. Tertiary notes present but not deeply layered.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with elevated alcohol. Firm tannins and a slightly edgy texture. Lacks the seamless velvety integration expected from more polished Amarone examples.
Food Pairings
Braised meats, aged cheeses, wild boar ragù, mushroom-based dishes.
Verdict
Technically correct and gastronomic, but did not fully deliver the plush refinement and layered complexity often associated with top-tier Amarone. Better at the table than as a contemplative standalone pour.
🍷 Did You Know?
Corvina is the aromatic backbone of Amarone, responsible for cherry and spice notes, while Rondinella contributes color and structure. Balance during drying is crucial, integration is everything. — 12 days ago
2022 vintage. Very nice, especially for the price. A little too bitter for H, but I quite liked it. Best within first few hours of opening — 2 months ago
Brought this back from Portugal in 2023 and finally drank it. Awesome wine even if it was maybe a little past its prime. Classic Vinho Verde citrus and floral nose and a dash of minerality. On the tongue it's missing that light effervescence I love but it still brings a lot of citrus and light fruit sweetness that balances the acidity. Would absolutely buy again if I can find it over here! — 5 months ago
Friday night dinner - drinking well now — 2 months ago
Ely Cohn
Rustic, countryside. Woodsy cherry, with sweet raisins, dates, and a cedar core. There are roses and tar and other dusty notes on the periphery.
Powerhouse of flavor, with grippy tannins and a little bit of heat (14.5%) on the swallow. — 7 days ago