1998 Villabella Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Fracastoro

Villabella is in Calmasino, in the heart of the Bardolino region, near Lake Garda. The estate was founded in 1971 by Walter Delibori and Giorgio Cristoforetti, and it is still owned and operated by their families. Villabella owns or leases about 250 acres of vineyards, making it one of the largest producers in the region. Farming at Villabella is certified as organic, and some 500,000 bottles are produced annually. Villabella produces all the traditional wines of the region, including Bardolino, Lugana, Bianco di Custoza, Soave, Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone and a portfolio of red and white blends made from indigenous grapes. Gambero Rosso notes that “Across the range, the (Villabella) wines display a drinkable, harmonious style.” The Amarone della Valpolicella, in particular, is consistently well rated by Gambero Rosso and others.

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.