Manufacturer: Santi

Amarone della Valpolicella Doc


The grapes: 75% corvina, 25% rondinella.

The vineyard: particularly acclaimed parcels in the “historic” communes of Negrar, Fumane and Marano trained by the pergola system, facing southwest on stony, clay and limestone soil.

The vinification: in October, a few days before the beginning of the normal vintage there is a rigorous selection of the healthiest bunches (from 5 to 15% of the total) which are picked by hand onto 7kg trays and left to dry for 3 months in dry and well ventilated places; the natural dehydration enriches the grapes with concentrated sugar and aromatic and polyphenolic compounds. In January the dried grapes are divided up into different lots and then pressed and traditionally vinified by the red wine method. Due to long macerations and especially to calibrated management of temperatures and remontages, the character of each lot is enhanced, thereby obtaining different wines strongly expressive of the region.

The maturation: after the fermentation the wine matures for about 2 years in wood. In the first year the choice of the type of ageing depends on the characteristics of the wine, and casks and barriques of different ages, origins and toasts are used with a range of skilful adjustments.

Eventually the whole mass is blended and put to rest in large casks. The wine develops in bottle for about 6 months before it is marketed.

The wine: dark red colour with soft garnet rim; intense penetrating, ethereal and very elegant bouquet with strong notes of dried grapes and dried plums and more gentle ones of spices (cloves, cinnamon), cherry preserve and irises; warm flavour, full and powerful, austere, with an elegant aftertaste of peach kernels and toasted almonds which lingers for a long time in the mouth.

Analytical details: 15.2% alcohol; 5.6g/l total acidity; 3.4 pH; 8 g/l residual sugar; 31g/l dry extract.

corvina 75%, rondinella 25%,

Optimum keeping: 8-10 years in bottles stored horizontally in cool, dark conditions.

Food matches: red meats, game, strong cheeses.

Serving temperature: 18°C.