Secondo Marco Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico 2020 (Preview Blend) Located in Fumane, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area between Lake Garda and the ancient city of Verona, Secondo Marco’s vineyards benefit from a uniquely balanced microclimate. Warm breezes rise from Lake Garda each morning, while cool air descends from the Lessini Mountains in the late afternoon—an oscillation that promotes gradual, even ripening and preserves vibrant natural acidity. Combined with the valley’s mineral-rich soils and Marco Speri’s distinctive “Y-shaped” pergola training system, this setting creates an ideal environment for producing concentrated yet remarkably fresh and harmonious wines. Marco Speri’s winemaking philosophy is both patient and highly precise. Each varietal is vinified and aged separately, often for many years, and blended only once he deems every component to have reached an optimal point for integration. This meticulous, nearly decade-long approach is central to the expressive, structured, and elegant Amarone wines that define the Secondo Marco style. For this year's Anteprima, Marco prepared an educated preview blend of the 2020 Amarone—an early indication of the final wine—though all components continue aging independently. The definitive cuvée will only be assembled once Marco determines they have harmonized fully, likely within the next 1–2 years. This thoughtful process mirrors the philosophy behind the estate’s premium Amarone, crafted from vineyards just below the Speri family’s iconic Sant’Urbano cru. The 2020 vintage shows tremendous promise. Light ruby and beautifully transparent in the glass, this early composition is remarkably elegant, immediately expressive with a medley of sweet spices, red and dark fruits, menthol, and lifted floral tones. There is a striking freshness that frames the fruit, carrying through to a poised and finely textured palate. The structure already hints at Marco Speri’s stylistic direction: refined, linear, and impeccably balanced, leaning toward finesse rather than sheer power. The tannins are soft and integrated even at this stage, and the aromatic complexity suggests what an exciting final blend this will become once the individual lots have reached full harmony. A superb early indication of another outstanding Amarone from Secondo Marco—beautifully structured, elegant, and destined to evolve into a standout vintage once assembled. Tasted February 2025. 95+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca