Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Dal Forno
Label Name:
 
Amarone Della Valpolicella
Vintage:
 
2016
Country:
 
Italy
Region:
 
Amarone della Valpolicella (Monte Lodoletta), Veneto
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
16.5%
Grape(s):
 
60% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta, 10% Croatina
Method:
 
Grapes are air-dried (appassimento) ~70–80 days, fermented in temperature-controlled steel with extended maceration, then slow fermentation/finishing in new French and American barriques and ~36 months oak ageing, followed by additional bottle ageing.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Inky, ultra-concentrated Amarone: dried black cherries, baked plum, black currant, dark chocolate, tobacco, leather, dried violets and balsamic-savoury spice. Massive density, high alcohol and firm, chewy tannins with a very long salted‑chocolate finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: braised beef, osso buco, venison, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, mushroom risotto. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, soy-braised short ribs, Korean BBQ, Chinese five-spice braises, rich mushroom/umami dishes.
Vineyard Info:
 
Founded by Romano Dal Forno in 1983; 34 ha estate (18 ha owned) around Lodoletta. Influenced by Giuseppe Quintarelli; Marco Dal Forno now runs the estate. Monte Lodoletta is the single-vineyard flagship.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Major critic scores: Vinous 98 (Eric Guido), James Suckling 98, Decanter 98, Falstaff 98, Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) 97; Wine Spectator ~95. widely praised for ageing potential (drink 2026–2045+)