From: Veneto, Italy
Varietals: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta
Allegrini is Veneto’s most acclaimed winery, and their Amarone is the gold standard. The Allegrini family has been handing down grape growing and winemaking traditions over six generations, playing a major role in the Valpolicella Classico area since the 16th century.
Giovanni Allegrini is the patriarch of the modern estate and has worked hard to develop and perfect major innovations in the art of wine, particularly when it comes to Amarone. He was among the first to question local viticultural techniques, revolutionize accepted practices, and speak clearly about quality. Between 1960 and 1970 he was able to combine the science of enology with strict grape selection to make some of Valpolicella's best wines.
The estate is based in Fumane di Valpolicella, just north of Verona in northeastern Italy. Valpolicella, or "valley of many cellars," is an area crossed from north to south by a series of hills, which in succession form three parallel valleys. These valleys are crossed by steep-sided, narrow riverbeds which remain dry except during spring thaws or autumn rains.
With 247 acres of vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico, the Allegrinis nurture a collection of remarkable sites, each with its own personality, soil, and microclimate. Together, they speak to the rich history and extraordinary quality of Valpolicella. All seven vineyards, ranging from the steep hillsides of La Grola to the perfect plateau of La Poja, offer unique, special terroir to express the full range of what is possible in one of Italy’s most prestigious and storied winemaking regions. The family has been a leader in marrying traditional winegrowing styles with vineyard innovation, introducing modern trellis techniques, site, and varietal selection through meticulous evaluation.
Allegrini's winemaking philosophy is largely based on the concept of "cru" production: a single vineyard dedicated to the production of local varieties destined to become a single wine. These crus have been a success worldwide: The Palazzo della Torre, La Grola and La Poja have set the highest benchmarks for Valpolicella's wines.
Tasting Notes: The result of the Allegrini family’s expertise, a true classic of the appellation, this red wine embraces tradition, territory, and the know-how of country ways. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes are left to air dry at least until December and are checked daily to ensure perfectly healthy grapes. Lengthy refining and aging finally yield a red wine that has become emblematic of Italian enology alongside Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino. It has imposing structure and depth, as much in its aromas of mature fruit and spices as on the palate, where the alcohol is sustained by the right degree of acidity and refined tannins.
Pairing: Traditionally enjoyed with game, roasted and grilled meats, casseroles, and well-matured cheeses. Excellent with hearty dishes. Amarone’s distinctive flavor compliments exotic sweet and sour cuisine and is therefore also perfect with Asian and middle-eastern dishes. Serve at 18°C (64°F) and open the bottle an hour before drinking. This wine has the potential to age for more than 20 years.
95 Points -Wine Enthusiast
95 Points -Vinous
94 Points -James Suckling
93 Points -Wine Spectator
