Wine Enthusiast calls Amarone “one of 15 icons in Italian wine”. They are certainly some of the country’s most treasured reds. Rooted in the ancient tradition of sun-drying grapes before fermentation, Amarone wines offer exceptional richness and a glorious combination of power and complexity that cellars well, too. No wonder they are sought after worldwide. This 2020 from esteemed Cantina Negrar pays tribute to 18th century poet Bartolomeo Lorenzi, whose epic poems celebrating rural life made Valpolicella wines famous.
The grapes are from the ancient, dry, stone terraces of the cool Marano Valley, where they ripen slowly. They are then air-dried for 120 days to intensify flavours. Decant early and enjoy with hearty dishes, or cellar.
Ultima Edizione started a few years back as a special project from the Farnese cellar. Based in an ancient castle in Abruzzo, the cellar has a terrific reputation and has been named Italy’s ‘Winery of the Year’ three times. We've been working with them for many years and for this wine we gave them free rein to produce the best red possible, regardless of region.
Talented winemaker today is Dennis Verdecchia, who cherry picked tiny parcels of premium soft, ripe Montepulciano and Sangiovese from Abruzzo, and dark Primitivo and spicy Negroamaro from sun-baked vineyards in Puglia in the south. Barrel ageing, then blending has produced this intensely flavoured, velvety red. Weighty, it’s best with roasted pork belly or a rich casserole.
