What is Amarone Wine, and Why Is It Highly Regarded?

Amarone della Valpolicella is a very distinctive wine, made from grapes that have been previously sun-dried, much like Spain’s Pedro Ximénez variety used to produce the sweet wine often called PX. However, Amarone red wine differs in two key ways: first, it is made from local red grape varieties instead of white ones, and second, the final product is a dry wine with a unique vinous character and mouthfeel, very distinct from dessert wines.

Characteristics of Amarone: What is Amarone Like?

Its color is deep red, tending toward garnet as the wine ages. Amarone has an intense aroma, a full-bodied, warm, and velvety taste, and on the nose, notes of ripe fruit, cherry jam, and raspberry.

With aging, additional aromas of moss and even tar may emerge. The residual sugar content is a maximum of 12 g/l, while the alcohol content ranges between 14% and 16%.

Origin of Amarone: Where is Amarone Wine From?

Winegrowing occurs in the province of Verona, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The Amarone wine region extends from the province of Verona, following Lake Garda to the border of the province of Vicenza, through valleys and slopes that stretch into the plains, forming the shape of a hand. The soils in this area vary widely, ranging from volcanic origins to limestone-dolomitic formations. Combined with the region’s unique microclimate, these factors make it one of Italy’s most suitable areas for viticulture.

How is Amarone Wine Made?

Many define Amarone as a “gentleman’s wine,” endowed with great body and structure. The primary grape varieties used are Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, and Rondinella, with limited contributions from other red varieties. Depending on the production zone, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines can bear different designations.

The term Classico refers to the oldest production area, while Amarone della Valpantena DOCG applies to wines from the eastern hills of the region. The grapes are harvested by hand in October, and the clusters are then dried on wooden racks. The resulting must undergo an aging process of two years, or four years in the case of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva.

The Role of Grapes in Amarone

According to regulations, Corvina must be present in a variable percentage ranging from 45% to 95% of the total, while Corvinone can replace Corvina in up to 50%. Rondinella can be used in proportions between 5% and 30%, and other non-aromatic black grape varieties cultivated in the Verona area may also be included.

The Drying Process and Fermentation

The particular winemaking process of Amarone follows the same principle as other wines that aim to increase the concentration of sugars in the grapes while enhancing their aromas and acidity—similar to German Eiswein (ice wine) or Strohwein, French vin de paille, and other wines from Greece, Cyprus, or Italy, which are almost always paired with desserts.

The grape drying process lasts around 120 days or even longer, depending on the fruit's initial water content. Strict control of ventilation and humidity is maintained to prevent mold and ensure proper drying as external climatic conditions change with the arrival of winter. In early February, the grapes are pressed, and the skins are macerated for 30–50 days.

During this period, yeasts gradually convert the sugars into alcohol, reaching the level required for Amarone. If the sugar concentration remains above the specified threshold, the resulting wine is classified as Recioto della Valpolicella, a sweet red wine with distinct characteristics.

Pricing of Amarone Wine

The Amarone wine price is not cheap, largely owing to the intensive production process. Expect to pay $50 to 100 per bottle. The best Amarone wine can be quite expensive. Bottle Barn has the 2013 Dal Forno Romano Monte Lodoletta Amarone della Valpolicella for $345. Or splurge on a magnum of the 2017 Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella when you buy Amarone wine online: perfect for sharing with friends!

Amarone Food Pairings

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG is an elegant and sumptuous wine with excellent aging potential, characterized by a deep garnet-red color and fruity, balsamic, and spicy aromas. Thanks to its smooth flavor and persuasive, well-balanced tannins, an Amarone wine pairing typically features autumn and winter dishes such as roasts, game, cured meats, risottos, and other regional specialties. It is also enjoyed on its own as the perfect conclusion to a fine dinner. After you buy Amarone wine, try it with a risotto or a stew cooked with Amarone. It also goes perfectly alongside aged cheeses!

Serving Suggestion

It is best served in a wide glass to allow for proper aeration, at a temperature of 18–20°C.

Conclusion

Amarone della Valpolicella is a truly exceptional wine that stands out for its distinctive production method, deep flavors, and aging potential. Its rich history and the meticulous craftsmanship required to produce it contribute to its well-earned reputation and higher price point. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore fine wines, Amarone is a must-try for its complexity, elegance, and ability to elevate any dining experience. Next time you seek a bold yet refined red wine, consider Amarone—an embodiment of Italian winemaking tradition at its finest.