2011 Stefano Accordini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Acinatico

Stefano Accordini is outside of Verona. The estate was started in the early 20th century when Gaetano Accordini bought 35 acres in Fumane and started producing wine.He named the estate after his son, Stefano. Today the third and fourth generations of the Accordini family own and operate the estate, which produces Valpolicella, Amarone and other red wines. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, calls Tiziano Accordini one of the most dedicated and meticulous exponents of Valpolicella and Amarone.” Gambero Rosso has often awarded Accordini wines its highest rating of 3 glasses. About 120,000 bottles are produced annually.

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.