2008 Pra Amarone della Valpolicella

Prà in Monteforte d’Alpone was started by Graziano Prà’s grandfather in the early 20th century, and since the 1980s Graziano has been in charge. The 75-acre estate is renowned for its white wines, especially Soave, traditionally the king of Veronese white wines. However Prà has in recent decades also earned admiration for its red wines, which, like the whites, are made from indigenous grapes. Besides Soave, which is made from the Garganega and Trebbiano grapes, the estate produces Amarone and Valpolicella, red wines made from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta. The estate is farmed organically and produces 220,000 bottles a year. Gambero Rosso has often awarded the estate’s Soave Classico 3 Glass awards.

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, usually called simply Amarone, was awarded its prestigious DOCG appellation status in 2009. Though lush, high alcohol content red wines have been made in the Veneto since the ancient Greeks settled there, the popularity of Amarone over the last few decades has resulted in international demand for the wine. Amarone is typically made from 45% to 95% Corvina, blended with Rondinella and other indigenous grapes. The blend is essentially the same as for Valpolicella, but Amarone is made from dried grapes, which gives it a rich, viscous quality and an alcohol content between 14% and 20%. Though Amarone is a dry wine, there is a sweet version called Recioto della Valpolicella. The recioto style wines are included in the DOCG, and the word “ripasso” on label usually indicates the sweeter style.