AMARONE
AMARONE
Read more about AMARONE
Amarone della Valpolicella is the great winter red of northern Italy. It comes from the hills north of Verona and is made mostly from Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes that are dried for three to four months before pressing. That drying process, called appassimento, concentrates the fruit so the finished wine is dry but rich, usually 15% alcohol or more, with flavors of dried cherry, fig, cocoa, coffee and bitter almond.
This collection gathers the Amarones we carry, from approachable everyday bottles to long-lived Classico and Riserva wines from the region's best-known estates.
Where to start
If Amarone is new to you, Sant Arturo Amarone ($38.99) is a friendly, cherry-forward introduction at a fair price. Farina Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($44.99) brings Classico structure for under $50. For the classic style many people picture, try Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($59.99) or Masi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Costasera ($62.99), with raisin, spice and a long, slightly bitter finish. For a special bottle or a gift worth keeping, Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($99.99) is deep, perfumed and built to age.
Classico, Riserva and what the label means
Amarone has been a DOCG wine since the 2010 vintage and must age at least two years before release. "Classico" means the grapes come from the historic heart of the zone around Fumane, Marano and Negrar. "Riserva" means at least four years of aging, for a softer, more savory wine. Our full guide, Amarone, Explained, covers the whole Valpolicella ladder, from fresh Valpolicella to Ripasso and sweet Recioto.
Serving and pairing
Serve Amarone slightly cool, around 60 to 65°F, in a large glass, and give young bottles an hour of air. It is made for braised beef, short ribs, prime rib, lamb, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses like Parmigiano and blue cheese. Because of its concentration, an opened bottle keeps well for several days.
Explore more Italian reds
Compare Amarone with Tuscany's most famous wine in Amarone and Brunello, browse the full Italian red wine collection, or see everything in red wine. Planning a holiday table? Our Christmas dinner wine pairings guide has a bottle for every course.