# Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (2016)

- **Producer:** Cantina Danese
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.5%
- **Average price:** €41
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** fig, dried fruit, black cherry, raisin, black plum, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, smoke, coffee, leather, caramel, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Danese Cantina 2016 is a red wine from the Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy. Cantina Danese, the producer, has a family tradition of winemaking dating back to the early 1950s. The winery is located in Roncà, within the Lessini Mountains National Park. The wine's distinctiveness comes from the 'appassimento' process, where grapes are dried to concentrate flavors, and the 'Classico' designation, indicating grapes from the historic heartland of Valpolicella. The 2016 vintage is recognized for its potential for structure and aging.

## Interesting facts

- Amarone grapes are dried for about 120 days.
- It's often called a 'winemaker's wine' due to its complex process.
- The 'Classico' name denotes grapes from the historic Valpolicella zone.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and rich concentration stand up to robust flavors and textures. Its tannins complement the protein in red meats, while its inherent fruitiness can echo or contrast with savory elements. The wine's intensity can also balance the richness of slow-cooked dishes.

## Wine making process

The production of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico involves the 'appassimento' process, where harvested grapes are dried for approximately 120 days to concentrate sugars and flavors. This is followed by a slow and gentle fermentation lasting around 100 days under controlled conditions. The wine is then aged extensively in oak barrels before being bottled and aged further. The 'Classico' designation indicates that the grapes are sourced from the historic heartland of the Valpolicella region.