1996 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Bertani is a 500-acre estate in Grezzano, in the Veneto region of Northeastern Italy. It was founded in 1857 by brothers Giovan and Gaetano Bertani. Today the estate is still owned and operated by the Bertani family and has vineyards in Valpolicella and Soave as well as its historic holdings near Verona. Bertani makes a wide portfolio of wines, but it is particularly known for Amarone and Valpolicella. The Amarones often earn Gambero Rosso’s top award of 3 glasses. Gambero Rosso notes that the estate makes “wines of admirable complexity and elegance.”

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.