(2023) Amarone is the epitome of special occasion wines for many people, so this blockbuster is my choice for the 2023 festive season. Composed of classic grapes of the region, all grown on calcium-rich Marl soils, it weighs in with a hefty 16.5% alcohol. It is of course made from fruit that have been dried, in which time the grapes lose around 30% of their weight, but gain in sugar and concentration. Once fermented, the wine spent three years in Slavonian oak barrels. It is pretty sensational stuff: aromatically, think of those dark chocolate enrobed cherries, liqueur-like and deeply flavoured. There's a wisp of smoke and vanilla, maybe a touch of somthing fragrant and floral. In the mouth it is silky and full, and despite the alcohol and richness of the wine, a real sense of freshness remarkably enough - even of lightness and delicacy. With hard cheese (maybe even Stilton), beef, game or perhaps dark chocolate dessert, it would be sensational. Watch the video for more information.
