Top Rated 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Wines

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Fall 2024

by: Matt Steeves, Valpolicella Wine Specialist

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines are some of the most sought after in the world. From the indigenous varietals used in their red blends (principally Corvina and Corvinone, with Rondinella and Molinara (and a few others) playing supporting roles), to the multitude of unique terroirs found throughout the many valleys of Valpolicella, and of course the use of appassimento winemaking, these all culminate in producing wines that are distinctly Valpolicella, and unlike no others in the world.

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines are sometimes described as ‘technique wines’ given the important role appassimento winemaking plays in the finished wine, ultimately concentrating and enhancing aromas and flavours and delivering wines with great complexity. Thanks to the appassimento winemaking practices, and use of indigenous varietals, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines are also some of the most recognizable wines you’ll ever taste, with clear sense of place that is undeniably Valpolicella. That sense of place you experience with each bottle of Valpolicella wine is further enhanced with single vineyard wines as they typically display unique characteristics, highlighting the aromatic signature amongst other identifiable characteristics from the single vineyard which can all largely be attributed to its unique terroir.

The importance of terroir in Valpolicella

Research led by Professor Maurizio Ugliano of the University of Verona in collaboration with the Valpolicella-based Tedeschi family winery, has shown that Valpolicella wines from Tedeschi’s cru vineyards (Monte Olmi, La Fabriseria, Maternigo Estate) do in fact exhibit a sense of place and that those cru vineyards have an aromatic signature (or molecular markers as the proper scientific term) with similar aromas displayed in the wines each and every vintage. Vintage variability plays an important role though with modulating the aromatic composition of the wines which is why vintages are so important to pay attention to when selecting wines, along with terroir of course.

While this research helps validate the commonly believed hypothesis that single vineyard wines have unique aromatic signatures and therefore a distinguishable sense of place (which explains why Sommeliers can identify a single vineyard wine when tasted blind without any clues), the conclusions of this research can be applied across the region with categories of aromas and flavours typically found in the wines from single vineyards throughout Valpolicella (note the four principal olfactory dimensions found in the wines of Valpolicella are: fruity, balsamic, spicy/peppery, and sweet spice), depending on the valley, elevation, slope and aspect, etc. These are the factors that make Valpolicella wines so unique and also so easily discernable, and why you may prefer the characteristics typically observed in a particular single vineyard wine, each and every vintage given its aromatic signature. In practical terms this means if you’ve enjoyed a wine from a specific producer, from a specific vineyard, chances are you’re going to enjoy that in the future too, despite characteristics of a specific vintage and stylistic tweaks in the winemaking over time. If you’re looking for some interesting research in this field I invite you to check out Professor Maurizio Ugliano’s research as he’s leading some great work for the benefit of all of Valpolicella.

Speaking of wines you like, let’s get to my short list of top rated/must-try Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines from the great 2019 vintage. And as noted above if you like a particular single vineyard expression chances are you’ll like it each year so keep good notes as some of these 2019 expressions will only be available in a few years while others may be on the shelves now at your local wine boutiques.

2019 Vintage Characteristics – Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – A Collector’s Dream:

2019 represents a 5 star vintage for Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines. 2019 produced wines with exceptional structure, complexity, and aging potential. You’d need to go back to 2012 to find such a great vintage, with 2016 being the next best but a bit more powerful/with less finesse. 2019 vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG are wines you can enjoy in their youth but also structured to enjoy over the long run. Expect aging windows exceeding 30+ years for the best meaning you’ll want to buy by-the-case whenever possible for this 5 star vintage.

Having tasted nearly 100 expressions of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG while attending the (Anteprima) Amarone Opera Prima events in Verona last February, I tasted a wide range of styles from faintly coloured and elegant expressions to deeply coloured expressions with great intensity of flavours. Despite the stylistic differences tasted across the region they all had one common trait – an impressive baseline of quality in their structure, and it’s thanks to the great structure in the 2019 vintage wines that these are both approachable now and having the capacity to benefit from long term cellaring, making them a collectors dream.

Here are the notable expressions which I found showed beautifully. Keep your eyes peeled for these as they become available in the market over the coming months and years as they’ll make great additions to your cellar if you’re fortunate enough to source them in your market.

Starting off with Torre di Terzolan’s Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 – it really caught my attention at Anteprima Amarone this year. In a single session where I tasted 72 Amarones from 2019, uninterrupted, Torre di Terzolan’s was a star! While their 2019 Amarone is anticipated to be released to market only in 2026, it was showing beautifully already and merits top accolades. This is a wine you should seek out and stock up on once it’s released.

Torre di Terzolan is situated minutes north of Verona up the valley in the little town of Trezzolano where they tend four organic vineyards, with a total of ~3 hectares at an elevation up to 350m. The four vineyards include: La Mezzaluna, La Pala, Il Binte and Il Brolo, where they grow indigenous varieties from Valpolicella including Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Croatina to produce their Amarone della Valpolicella and their Valpolicella Superiore wines.

The preview sample of 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG showed delicious dried cherry, graham cracker, New York cherry cheesecake, dried dark fruit, subtle herbs and baking spice. The palate offers delicious dried fruit, more cherry, all in a very fresh and elegant style. Fine textured tannins, beautifully integrated with the fresh dark fruit, dried cherry, and delicate spices which persist on the long refreshing finish. A unique style of Amarone showing impressive balance and structure certain to enable long term cellaring and reward those with patience. Enjoy when released (expected 2026) and cellar for 2+ decades to appreciate the evolution this wine will deliver highlighting the strength of this five star vintage for which Torre di Terzolan has captured beautifully in this stand-out Amarone. Tasted February 2024. 95+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Another extraordinarily memorable wine was the 2019 Contrada Palui (a pre-release sample, and only the second vintage made of this Amarone to-date).

I love discovering a new wine that leaves a lasting impression, a wine that stands-out in a sea of premium wines given its unique characteristics, a wine that you find yourself reflecting on hours, days, and weeks after tasting it. Let me introduce you to Contrada Palui, a relatively new Valpolicella producer that has entered the market with one of the most elegant and expressive terroir-focused wines you’ll find in all of Valpolicella, and it’s an Amarone.

Proprietor Hannes (Hans Karl) Pichler established his naturally organic vineyard perched high up on a hill in a valley north east of Verona. This greenfield vineyard sits at 500m elevation and given its location it receives sun all day long while the Lessinian Alps immediately to the north provide cool mountain air preserving the vibrant acidity in the grapes. Although the 180′ aspect and high elevation play important roles in the vineyard, it’s the clay-limestone soils with flint and black basalt that impart such important characteristics in the wine. My first time tasting the wine I was impressed with the flinty-minerality characteristics it displayed. I wasn’t surprised to learn the geological composition of the vineyards as it was on clear display in the wines. I also wasn’t surprised to learn that a highly skilled up-and-coming Valpolicella-based winemaker, Marco Signorini, was working with Hannes Pichler to realize this terroir-focused project.

Terroir-focused wines in Valpolicella isn’t a new trend. Each of the valleys host seemingly countless unique vineyards of every shape, aspect, elevation, and soil composition, all producing distinct wines. There have been incredible single vineyard appassimento wines produced for decades throughout Valpolicella too, however, the process of drying grapes can often push those wines into a category perceived to be more of a ‘technique wine’ than a ‘terroir wine’. Perhaps this is where the talent and craftmanship of the winemaking team shines brightest. The challenge of producing expressive terroir wines whilst employing a winemaking technique that literally transforms the grapes before they’re pressed, some would say potentially masking the nuanced aspects of the terroir. So when you discover a 100% appassimento wine, such as Contrada Palui’s Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, that shows such distinct terroir characteristics, it’s a prime example of talented winemaking highlighting the unique terroir to deliver expressive and balanced wines.

2019 Contrada Palui Amarone della Valpolicella – Remarkably light colour, very faint ruby red with a garnet hue. First appearance would suggest this isn’t a 16% abv Amarone, then the aromas confirm in fact it is. Very intriguing and complex bouquet of dried red fruits, dried cherry, herb garden, floral, sweet tobacco, and distinctive flinty-minerality. The palate shows refreshing bright berry notes, dried fruit, spice and herbs. It’s elegant, with tart dried fruit, spice, distinctive flint, and great structure. Lean with impressive concentration, one of the most elegant expressions of Amarone I’ve tasted in the past decade. Youthful well integrated tannins will support medium term cellaring where the wine will appreciate further complexity. Anticipated commercial release May 2024. Enjoy over the next 10+ years with charcuterie and creamy pasta dishes. Tasted February 2024. 95+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Roccolo Grassi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Roccolo Grassi Single Vineyard (barrel sample) – Brother and sister team, Marco and Francesca Sartoli, produce this single vineyard Amarone from the eastern edge of Valpolicella towards Soave. The colour is ruby red, the nose shows impressive complexity with dried dark fruit and savoury characteristics, including beef stock, herbs, and graphite. The palate brings refreshing dark fruit, cassis, rosemary, with fine integrated tannis and refreshing dark fruit persist on the long finish. Unclear when this will be released to market but already showing signs of great harmony, finesse, and complexity and with the structure to age for decades. Enjoy 2025-2040+. 94+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Ilatium Morini’s 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG “Campo Leon” pre-release sample tasted during Anteprima Amarone in Verona. The wine is anticipated to be released in January 2025 / when the winemaker deems it ready for commercial release.

Ruby red colour, the nose shows dried dark fruit, plum, fig, tobacco, and incense. Super refreshing, with cherry, tart dark fruits, black tea, salted dark chocolate, and youthful fine grained tannins persisting on the long textured finish. A complex and well structured Amarone which will pair beautifully with braised dishes, creamy risotto, and aged cheese. Enjoy 2026-2036+. Tasted February 2024. 94+ points. Matt Steeves 

The pre-release preview of Santi’s 2019 “Carlo Santi 1843” Amarone showed great harmony, complexity, and overall potential from this five star vintage. Ruby with a slight garnet hue, the nose shows dried plum, cherry, orange peel, herbs, and expressive spice notes. Great intensity, beautifully balanced with loads of dried fruit, spice, and herbs on the long finish. Santi’s Carlo Santi Amarone is anticipated to be released to market in fall 2024. Enjoy 2025-2040. Tasted February 2024. 94+ points. Matt Steeves

2019 Corte Figaretto Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena Brolo del Figaretto – This family run winery is situated minutes north of Verona in the heart of Valpolicella’s Valpantena Valley. It’s here where the winemaking team of Mauro (father) and Sofia (daughter) produce their impressive Brolo (wall) del Figaretto Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena. This wine caught my attention a few years ago with its super approachable, ripe, balanced, and complex profile. Each vintage I’ve tasted since has impressed so when I visited Verona this winter it was first winery I visited, and as expected, it impressed. Medium ruby, slight garnet hue, the nose shows dried cherries, sweet dark fruits, dark chocolate, incense, and sweet tobacco. Palate repeats, harmonious, more dried cherry, plum, sweet spices, and sage on the finish. Velvety smooth with fine grained tannins. Showing wonderfully now but this is a wine you’ll want to enjoy over the next decade and beyond with braised dishes, grilled steak with Port reduction, or firm aged cheese. Tasted February 2024. 93+ points.

The 2019 Secondo Marco Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication of winemaker Marco Speri to produce some of the finest wines in Valpolicella. Located in Fumane, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area between Lake Garda and ancient city of Verona, Secondo Marco’s vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate, with warm breezes from Lake Garda in the morning and cool mountain air in the late afternoon that travels down from the Lessini Mountains. This microclimate coupled with mineral-rich soils and Speri’s unique “Y” shaped pergola vines, creates a unique terroir perfect for the gradual ripening of the grapes while preserving their freshness, resulting in wines with great concentration and harmony.

Marco Speri’s approach to winemaking is both patient and precise. He vinifies and ages each varietal separately, blending them only when they have reached an important level of integration and harmony. This painstaking process, spanning nearly a decade, is instrumental in creating the expressive and well-structured wines for which Secondo Marco is renowned.

The 2019 vintage, hailed as a five-star year, has yielded another remarkable expression of Amarone at Secondo Marco. This wine exhibits a light ruby hue, hinting at its finesse. The nose is a symphony of aromas, with dried cherry, plum, fragrant spices, herbs, tobacco, and a subtle note of scorched earth. On the palate, the fruit and spice harmonize beautifully, balanced by fine tannins that impart a remarkably smooth and refreshing finish lasting minutes on the palate.

While winemaker Marco Speri plans to let this wine rest for another three years in barrel before bottling, it is already showing beautifully and is expected to gain further integration and complexity leading up to its release in ~2027. This is a wine worthy of investment, one that will show beautifully upon release and over the next three decades. Anticipated optimal drinking window: 2027-2050. Score: 96+ points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca

Sabaini Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (pre-release sample). Grapes are sourced from the Monte Castello d’Illasi and Monte Tomelon vineyards in the heart of the Val d’Illasi, northeast of Verona. The nose shows a complex bouquet of dried cherry, plum, baking spice, rosemary and balsamic notes. Repeat on the palate with spicy fruit wrapped in soft tannins persisting on the long finish. Dynamite alongside BBQ’d steak with Port reduction or any braised dish like osso buco. Enjoy 2024-2038. 93 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Celestino Gaspari, the winemaker behind Zýmē, is now one of the most renowned names in Valpolicella winemaking. His journey began alongside the iconic Giuseppe Quintarelli, arguably the most revered producer in Valpolicella history. These formative years working with Quintarelli laid the foundation for Gaspari’s progressive and curious approach, which has led Zýmē to become one of the most respected ultra-premium wineries in Valpolicella.

Zýmē’s portfolio reflects Gaspari’s passion for pushing boundaries. Alongside super expressive ‘traditional’ Valpolicella wines, he crafts IGT wines that are among the most sought after in the world. Gaspari’s meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyards and the winery, combined with his patient and low-intervention approach, underscores his overarching goal: to consistently produce the highest quality wines possible each vintage. This commitment has garnered a cult-like following for his wines globally.

Gaspari remains humble, acknowledging that his wines have not yet reached the pinnacle he strives for. This sentiment is symbolized on some labels, where incomplete words represent the ongoing journey to create increasingly impressive wines each vintage. For instance, his Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOGC 2019 label includes only “Ama,” suggesting there’s still room for improvement to earn the remaining (“rone”) letters. Gaspari’s dedication to perfection, honed over decades of crafting some of the world’s most sought-after wines, is evident.

After tasting the 2019 Amarone, alongside previous vintages and wines from Quintarelli, it’s clear that the 2019 Amarone already deserves more of those letters. Its complexity and harmony make it a rare, flawless wine that is well on its way to perfection. However, Gaspari’s pursuit of excellence means he will likely continue pushing the boundaries, showcasing the true potential of Valpolicella wines.

Zýmē 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG. A blend of Corvina 40%, Corvinone 30%, Rondinella 15%, Oseleta 10%, and Croatina 5%, all dried for 3+ months then fermented for another 2+ months with native yeast before a long (5+ years) rest in large Slovenian oak. When tasted in February 2024, a barrel sample, the wine had not yet been bottled but would soon be with an anticipated 2025 release date after a minimum 1 year in bottle. Medium ruby with a slight garnet hue, the nose shows a complex bouquet of dried red fruit, spice, sweet tobacco, match stick, and balsamic evergreen notes. The palate revels the mastery of this assemblage of appassimento grapes, with layers upon layers of elegantly textured dried fruit, sweet spice, so deep, fresh and harmonious.  Although not yet deemed ready for release, it’s showing beautifully now with great balance and depth. 2019 was a 5 star vintage and this Zýmē Amarone showcases what was possible. With 3+ decades of aging potential, this wine will be outstanding when paired with braised dishes, Risotto All’Amarone, firm cheese, or simply on its own. Enjoy 2025 to 2050+ Tasted February 2024. 97 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

2019 San Cassiano Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – Deep ruby colour, expressive nose with dark plum, black cherry, currant, incense, cinnamon, rosemary, and graphite. Palate highlights the sweet baking spices, with close, orange preserve, chocolate, and all in a velvety smooth texture. Showing great now, enjoy 2024-2034. Tasted February 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 (barrel sample, expected market release in 2029) – this small boutique winery produces 4000 individually numbered bottles of Amarone each vintage. Grapes are sourced from their high-altitude vineyards in the Classico region, at 500m elevation making them some of the highest in all of Valpolicella. Ruby with a garnet hue, this is an exceptionally expressive and well structured wine. The nose shows dried dark fruit, spice, balsamic and herbal notes. The palate reveals layers of dark fruit, savoury and meaty characteristics, it’s fresh and textured with youthful albeit integrated tannins which the winemaker envisions all reaching the right level of integration in 5 years for a 2029 planned release. A stunning expression of Cru Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, structured for long-term bottle aging. Enjoy 2029-2050+. Tasted February 2024. 95+ Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

2019 Vigna ‘800 Virgo Moron Classico Riserva (2025 expected release) – Fresh and elegant, this Classico Riserva greets you with inviting dried red and dark fruit, sweet spices, balsamic, and leather. Beautifully balanced, great intensity of flavours, youthful tannins, complex with great length on the finish. Another Amarone that consistently impresses with each vintage. Enjoy 2028 – 2040+. 94+ points.

2019 Falezze di Luca Anselmi – Amarone della Valpolciella DOCG Riserva – Ruby red, inky, complex herbal and dried fruit bouquet with sweet pipe tobacco. The palate brings crunchy dark fruit, dried red fruit, very elegant with youthful tannins. Best vintage I’ve tasted from Luca Anselmi. Enjoy 2028-2040+. Tasted February 2024. 94-95 points.

2019 Albino Armani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG – Albino Armani’s winery is located in Marano di Valpolicella, with vineyards reaching 500m in elevation. Armani’s high altitude terraced vineyards and the cool mountain breezes that work their way through those vineyards, help to produce the fresh and elegant style of high altitude Amarone which Armani is known for. The nose on the 2019 Amarone shows dried raspberry, cherry, fig, choclate adn nutmeg. Very fresh and elegant, with sour cherry, speice and fine integrated tannins making this a wonderful wine to enjoy now and over the next 10-15 years with a wide range of dishes from braised, BBQ, pasta, or aged cheese. 92+ points.

2019 FlaTio Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (barrel sample, planned release 2026) – Medium ruby with a slight garnet hue. Gorgeous bouquet with great complexity, dried cherry, floral, tobacco, sweet incense. Palata brings dried red fruit, cherry, spice. Impressive balance, round with fine textured tannins. When released in 2026 this will be exceptionally harmonious. Enjoy 2026-2040+. Tasted February 2024. 94+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

2019 Ca’ La Bionda Classico Ravazzol (expected release 2025) – Very fresh and expressive, the style winemaker Alessandro Castellani delivers with his terroir-focused wines. After spending some time in their vineyards and tasting a representative sample of vintages from the past two decades, I’m impressed with what I’m seeing in their vineyards and wines and the over-arching focus on quality and elegance.

Ca’ La Bionda’s organic terraced vineyards are situated in the Marano Valley of the Classico region of Valpolicella, and since 2015 they’ve been picking a couple weeks earlier to ensure the retention of that bright acidity in their wines. Alessandro is committed to producing terroir-focused wines with great freshness, complexity, and drinkability. 2019 Ravazzol is exceptionally elegant. The nose shows sour cherry, plum, dried red fruit, balsamic and spice notes. Fresh with fine textured tannins, this is an Amarone you’ll want to enjoy with charcuterie, creamy mushroom risotto, roasted pork or lamb with a cherry chutney. Enjoy when released in 2025 and over the next two plus decades. 94+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

2019 Adalia Ruvaln Azienda Agricola Camerani Marinella – This wine, named after the two spot lady bug (Adalia Bipunctata), recognizes the important role nature plays in the vineyards, like the important role biodynamic Valpolicella winemaking pioneer, Marinella Camerani, has played in crafting premium Valpolicella wines following the biodynamic tenants which guide in the production of the grapes/wines for Adalia and the family’s Corte Sant’Alda winery.

Great herbal notes, balasamic, incense, dried cherry, and salty sea breeze. The palate reveals layers of dried fruit, cherry, herbs and baking spices. Youthful tannins with a harmonious structure, leaving a long velvety finish. Enjoy over the next two decades with braised dishes or charcoal grilled steaks. Tasted February 2024. 94 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercuvino.ca

2019 Tenute Ca ‘Botta Cajo Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (expected release in 2026) – Deep colour, the nose shows smoky dark fruits, baking spice, balsamic, sage, and incense. The palate is rich and concentrated producing a big Amarone that’s embracing its muscular structure with layers of refreshing dark and dried fruits and youthful tannins. Structured for long term aging, this will be a great one to enjoy in 5+ years and through 2045. If you’re looking for a hearty Amarone then check this out when released in 2026. Tasted February 2024. 94+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

2019 Costa Arente Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – Ruby with a slight garnet hue, the nose showed brandied cherries, plum, fragrant sweet spices, tobacco, and herbs. The palate is fresh and lively with impressive complexity, all showing great now making this a pop-n-pour Amarone to enjoy now and over the next decade. Tasted February 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

2019 Vigneti di Ettore Amarone della Valpolicella Classico – Winemaker Gabriele Righetti has been producing elegant Valpolicella wines from their family vineyards since he took over the reins in 2012. The family’s vineyards are located in the Classico region of Valpolicella in the Negrar Valley from 190m to 450m elevation. Gabrielle is producing such harmonious wines leveraging the characteristics from each of the vineyards which range in soil composition from clay to limestone and paleovulcanic rock. Blending to highlight the strengths and characteristics from each vineyard, the 2019 Amarone could be described in one word as ‘harmonious’ but that wouldn’t pay tribute to the dried red fruit, herbs, balsamic notes, baking spices, cinnamon, and cacao. The palate is expressive, highly textured, yet with a delicate finesse that showcases its elegance. This has potential to be the best Gabriele has produced yet, although his vintages from earlier that decade are showing beautifully now with a decade of age. Enjoy the 2019 in a few years and over a couple decades (2026-2036+). Tasted February 2024. 93+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

2019 Le Guaite di Neomi (barrel sample, anticipated release 2034) – Deep colour, expressive medley of dried red and dark fruits, with currants, sweet spices, fragrant rosemary, and balsamic resinous notes on the nose. The palate is vibrant with lots of spice, youthful tannins, the fruit is there just slightly hidden waiting to reveal its wonder in the years to come, and no rush as winemaker Neomi plans to keep this in barrel for several more years, only to be released in upwards of a decade (~2034). Structured for long term enjoyment, this five star vintage Amarone is certain to be another masterpiece from this talented family winery. Enjoy 2034-2050+. 95+ points.

2019 Sartori Reius Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG – Ruby red, the nose shows dried cherry, plum, tobacco, and fragrant herbs. The palate is fresh and lively with plum, cherry, and sweet spice all beautifully integrated, ready to enjoy now and over the next decade+. Another terrific vintage, one of the best I’ve tasted this decade. Tasted February 2024. 92+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca.

2019 Terre di Leone Il Re Pazzo Classico (barrel) – Ruby red, the nose brings a complex bouquet showing dried cherry, raspberry, menthol and balsamic evergreen notes with sweet spice. Lovely Classico expression – great freshness and beautifully balanced with fine textured tannins and refreshing cherry and spice persisting on the finish. Enjoy over the next two decades. 92+ points.

2019 Monte Zovo – Famiglia Cottini – Ruby with slight garnet hue, very approachable with dried dark fruit, sweet spices. Palate shows tangy cherry, dried fruit, and subtle earthiness. Enjoy over the next decade. 91+ points.

Keep your eyes peeled for these impressive Amarone della Valpolicella wines from the five star 2019 vintage. You won’t want to miss them when they start showing up in your market. Enjoy!

Matt Steeves – Canadian Wine Writer, On-Air Sommelier (TV, radio), Valpolicella Wine Specialist, and former Director with the National Capital Sommelier Guild – follow Matt on Instagram @Quercusvino & www.quercusvino.ca & www.topwines.ca