Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from selected vineyards in Cellore, within the municipality of Illasi and the Val d’Illasi, historically known as Valsecca because of its low rainfall, together with the Cà da Lora site in Grezzana, Valpantena. The vineyards lie at 300–350 m with south-western exposure. Their marl-limestone soils are highly clay-rich and contain abundant limestone. Predominantly old vines are trained to Guyot at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare.
Grapes
Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella.
Vinification
Harvest begins in late September. Every bunch is carefully inspected, and only loose, fully ripe, healthy clusters with optimal sun exposure are selected and placed in 5 kg crates. The grapes then undergo natural appassimento in rooms adjoining the Illasi winery, concentrating sugars, polyphenols and aromatic compounds.
Crushing takes place at the end of January. A long, slow alcoholic fermentation follows for more than 50 days at no more than 20°C. Fermentation relies exclusively on indigenous yeasts and takes place in wooden vats with an average capacity of 25 hL.
Ageing
The wine spends its first 12 months in tonneaux and then moves to large casks. Both vessels are made from French oak, and total maturation in wood lasts four years. More than a further year of bottle ageing precedes release.
Technical data
- Alcohol: 15.5% vol.
- Contains sulphites.
- Limited, individually numbered production, made only in the finest vintages.
Tasting profile
Deep red with ruby reflections. The enveloping bouquet combines complexity, softness and intensity, opening with ripe plum, blackcurrant jam and blueberry preserve. Further nuances evoke orange peel, tea leaf and dry pastries. The palate is rounded and ample yet remains vibrant through velvety tannins and pleasant acidity. Aromas from the bouquet return on a long, savoury finish.
Serving and pairing
Pair with red meats, game and mature cheeses. Optimal cellaring is up to 10 years, with bottles stored horizontally in a cool, dark place.
Vintage notes
The 2016 vintage experienced extreme weather, temperatures and solar radiation. These conditions encouraged greater synthesis within the vines, particularly at higher elevations where the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures was more pronounced.
Label / history
Created to commemorate the winery’s founding in 1843, this Amarone is produced only in the finest vintages and released in limited, individually numbered quantities as an expression of Santi’s interpretation of Valpolicella.
