Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2021

This Amarone della Valpolicella is made by Allegrini in the hills of Veneto in north-east Italy, from Corvina and Rondinella with a small share of the local Oseleta. Amarone is defined by appassimento: after the harvest the best bunches are laid out to dry for several months, losing around a third of their water so that sugar, colour, tannin and flavour concentrate before pressing. Fermentation runs slowly and almost to dryness, producing a dry but intensely rich wine that here reaches 16 percent alcohol. The wine then ages 24 months in oak barrel, where measured oxygen exchange through the wood knits the powerful tannins and adds spice and a savoury depth. The colour is deep garnet with age. The nose is concentrated, with dried cherry and plum, raisin and fig, dark chocolate, liquorice and a balsamic edge. The palate is full bodied and warming, the dried-grape concentration giving a sweet-fruited richness braced by firm tannin and a very long finish. Serve at 18 degrees in a large glass, decanting an hour ahead for a young vintage. It is a wine for rich braises, game and strong cheese.