The Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2021 16 % is a powerful yet elegant Amarone from Veneto, produced in the historic Valpolicella Classico region. The cuvée combines Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta, with selected grapes from higher-altitude vineyards being harvested by hand. Following the harvest comes the ‘appassimento’ process, characteristic of Amarone: the grapes are left to dry for around three to four months in the ‘fruttaio’, during which time they lose approximately 40–45 per cent of their original weight. This natural drying process significantly concentrates the berries’ compounds. It is not until January that the dried grapes are gently pressed and then fermented under temperature-controlled conditions in stainless-steel tanks.

The subsequent ageing of the Allegrini Amarone 2021 is a particularly labour-intensive process. The wine first spends 18 months in new barriques, followed by a further seven months in large wooden casks and finally around 14 months in the bottle. This lengthy ageing process allows the wine to combine the power typical of Amarone with finesse and a harmonious structure. According to the winery, the 2021 vintage has 3.4 g/l residual sugar and 6.2 g/l total acidity. With an alcohol content of around 16 per cent in the 0.75-litre bottle, this Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG is a full-bodied Italian red wine ideal for special meals, sophisticated moments of enjoyment and further bottle ageing.

Awards:

- 89 points in 2016 from Luca Maroni

- 4 stars in 2016 from Vinibuoni

- 87 points from Wine Spectator

- 91 points from James Suckling

- 2016 vintage: 3 glasses in Gambero Rosso

- 2016 vintage: 94 points and 3 stars in Veronelli

- 2016 vintage: 3 bottles in the L’Espresso Guide

- 2016 vintage: 4 stars in Vinibuoni d’Italia