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Amarone Wines have skyrocketed in popularity
in recent years, with wine connoisseurs swooning
over their full-bodied flavor and distinct taste. If
you're new to Amarone or looking to expand your
wine repertoire, we'll go over what makes Amarone
unique, as well as some of our favorite labels that
experienced wine drinkers are raving about!

by Samantha Bloom

marone wine is an Italian red wine made from a blend
A
of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes grown in
the Valpolicella region of northern Italy. It
is made by drying grapes on racks for three to four
months to concentrate their flavor and aroma. This
process gives Amarone wines a distinct flavor and Chef Alberto
makes it one of the most expensive wines from the
Veneto region, rivaled only by its geographically
adjacent neighbor Recioto della Valpolicella. While he turns to wine, looking for a wine that develops
some Amarones are aged traditionally, oaking them flavor by drying grapes on mats before they are
with wood adds complexity to the nose and palate, fermented and aged. This is labeled as 'Classico'
making it ideal for pairing with roast meats like Amarone or, in some cases, 'Amarone Riserva'.
brisket or steak. Amarone has a richness unlike any Second, Amarone requires at least two years of
other Italian wine—truly it's robust and flavorful! careful aging in oak barrels to develop complexity
Amarone wine has grown in popularity over the in taste; it should have concentrated aromas
last decade, and its history is intriguing. Amarone of dried fruit and spices on the nose. Finally, if
wine originated in Valpolicella, Italy, as a dessert Amarone is certified DOCG - Denominazione di
wine. It evolved from a dessert wine to a table wine Origine Controllata e Garantita - you know it has
enjoyed with various meals such as red meats and been tasted and officially recognized as authentic
cheeses. In fact, some experts believe that Venetians Valpolicella Valley Amarone. He recommends
th
were drinking this type of red table wine centuries stopping by the next time you're on 5 Avenue
before Amarone was given its name in the 1930s. South and sipping a Zenato Amarone della
This distinct style of Italian winemaking involves Valpolicella.
air-drying freshly harvested Corvina, Rondinella Amarone wine is truly a special treat. It's a
and Molinara grapes to concentrate their flavor; combining complex and intriguing full-bodied red wine with elegant flavors
these three varieties gives Amarone its bold flavor with hints of of dried fruit and spices, making it ideal for both savory and sweet
spice and dried fruits. That's why so many people enjoy a glass of dishes. When serving Amarone, make an impression with large
Amarone with dinner! Burgundy glasses that allow for maximum aroma development.
Amarone della Valpolicella is a strong and full-bodied wine When it comes to food pairings with Amarone, think bold dishes
from Italy. But how does one choose a good Amarone? We sought like grilled Portobello mushrooms or mushroom risotto that can
out executive chef and restaurant owner Alberto Varetto, owner of handle the intense flavor profile of this unique variety of wine.
Alberto's on Fifth who lives by the adage that, "At our restaurant, Try chocolate desserts like truffles or chocolate torte for a twist on
we welcome each guest into the warmth of a traditional Italian traditional pairings - Amarone serves as the perfect palate cleanser
grandmother's kitchen.” From crisp crusty breads to delightful between rich bites.
Piedmont cake, every dish is lovingly prepared to perfection by Regardless of your preferences, experimenting with different
hand with only homemade and fresh ingredients. You won't find food and Amarone pairings promises to be an enjoyable journey
any machines here, just genuinely delicious home-cooked meals into delightfully delicious exploration.
that will leave you wanting more! With the same food philosophy,

Life in Naples | March 2023 77