Family Article
Brunelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Last edited on 10/7/2015 by ChipGreen
There are 4 versions of this article / View version history
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
Luigi Brunelli’s Amarone Classico is a perfect example of this wine as defined by Cassiodorus: "drinkable purple of incredible smoothness". This unique, multi-prize-winning dry red has no peers anywhere in the world. It is made in very limited quantities, using a handcrafted production method that has remained unaltered for centuries and distinguished by particularly severe grape selection. It is during the phase of maturation and aging that this wine acquires its celebrated bouquet and taste, as distinctive as the terrain from which it hails.
Production Process
The bunches that are ripest and with the best exposure to sunlight are picked by hand between the end of September and the beginning of October. They are then carefully laid out in shallow crates, which are left in the drying lofts under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity until January: during this phase the grapes lose around 40% of their moisture and their sugars become considerably more concentrated. Following a further selection of just the healthiest bunches, the grapes are then pressed. The fermentation, which is very slow because of the low temperatures at which it takes place, lasts around 40 days. Once this fundamental phase is over, the wine thus obtained begins its maturation for two years in barriques and tonneaux. After bottling, the finished wine is then kept for at least a further six months before being released.
Tasting Note
It displays an intense ruby red color and, on the nose, sweet fruity notes (redcurrants, blueberries and cherries) as well as a characteristic hint of vanilla from the oak. It is particularly majestic on the palate: its soft, warming sensations are counterpointed by good acidity and excellent tannins that give gratifying balance. This is an elegant wine, but one of enviable and noteworthy structure. A wine that can be enjoyed on its own, but also perfect with grilled red meats, goulash, game or mature cheeses.18'C (64'F), opening the bottle two hours beforehand.
Luigi Brunelli’s Amarone Classico is a perfect example of this wine as defined by Cassiodorus: "drinkable purple of incredible smoothness". This unique, multi-prize-winning dry red has no peers anywhere in the world. It is made in very limited quantities, using a handcrafted production method that has remained unaltered for centuries and distinguished by particularly severe grape selection. It is during the phase of maturation and aging that this wine acquires its celebrated bouquet and taste, as distinctive as the terrain from which it hails.
Production Process
The bunches that are ripest and with the best exposure to sunlight are picked by hand between the end of September and the beginning of October. They are then carefully laid out in shallow crates, which are left in the drying lofts under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity until January: during this phase the grapes lose around 40% of their moisture and their sugars become considerably more concentrated. Following a further selection of just the healthiest bunches, the grapes are then pressed. The fermentation, which is very slow because of the low temperatures at which it takes place, lasts around 40 days. Once this fundamental phase is over, the wine thus obtained begins its maturation for two years in barriques and tonneaux. After bottling, the finished wine is then kept for at least a further six months before being released.
Tasting Note
It displays an intense ruby red color and, on the nose, sweet fruity notes (redcurrants, blueberries and cherries) as well as a characteristic hint of vanilla from the oak. It is particularly majestic on the palate: its soft, warming sensations are counterpointed by good acidity and excellent tannins that give gratifying balance. This is an elegant wine, but one of enviable and noteworthy structure. A wine that can be enjoyed on its own, but also perfect with grilled red meats, goulash, game or mature cheeses.18'C (64'F), opening the bottle two hours beforehand.