# Amarone Classico (2020)

- **Producer:** Societa Agricola IL Sasso di Bellamoli Diego e Stefano & C. S.a.s.
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 15.5%
- **Average price:** €80
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** fig, fennel, black cherry, sour cherry, plum, anise, black pepper, dried cherry, chocolate, balsamic, liquorice, brioche, molasses, cedar, tobacco

## About this wine

Societa Agricola Il Sasso Amarone Classico 2020 hails from the Valpolicella Classico region in Veneto, Italy. The producer, Societa Agricola IL Sasso di Bellamoli Diego e Stefano & C. S.a.s., is guided by Stefano Bellamoli's philosophy of rigorous minimalism and preserving terroir tension. The estate employs organic viticulture and utilizes unlined cement tanks and ceramic eggs for fermentation and aging, deliberately avoiding wood to showcase the grapes' character and freshness. This approach aims to create an Amarone that is less sweet and more food-friendly, reflecting the natural acidity and translucence of the Valpolicella terroir. The 2020 vintage was characterized by a mild winter and a balanced summer, resulting in wines with preserved freshness and concentration, described by the winemaker as 'svelte' with a timid color, strong nose, high acidity, and an elegant profile.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes are naturally dried for up to 4 months, concentrating their sugars and flavors.
- Fermentation uses only native yeasts in cement tanks, embracing natural processes.
- Aging occurs in ceramic barrels, a less common choice that avoids oak influence.
- Production is intentionally small, with around 166 cases made annually.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and rich character can stand up to robust flavors and textures. Its tannins complement the protein in red meats, softening as they interact. The wine's inherent fruit notes can echo or contrast with fruit-based sauces, while its complexity can match the depth of slow-cooked dishes and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The production of Societa Agricola Il Sasso Amarone Classico 2020 begins with selected grapes that undergo a natural drying process for up to four months. This concentrates their sugars and flavors. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in large cement tanks for approximately one month, with 75% of the grapes destemmed and 25% fermented whole cluster. Following fermentation, the must macerates in cement for two months before a soft pressing. The wine is then aged for two years in 400ml ceramic barrels, followed by an additional six months of bottle aging. No filtration is performed before bottling.