Casalforte Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOCG 2017

Casalforte Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOCG 2017 / Cantine Riondo / Veneto

Red wine from Italy

Between the renowned cities of Verona and Venice, nestled in the heart of the Soave region, stands confidently the Cantine Riondo. Although founded only in 2008 as a winemaker cooperative, it is now one of the most significant wine producers in Veneto. Behind its seemingly complex corporate structure, however, lies a remarkably simple reality: Over two thousand winemakers proudly tend to 6000 hectares of vineyards in the provinces of Verona, Vicenza, and Padua. The fruits of their labour are carefully harvested and passed on to five wineries where they are crafted into exquisite wines.

The Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOCG, a truly world-renowned red wine, is a heavenly composition of the noble grape varieties Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, and Molinara. Let us delve into the secrets of these precious grapes. Corvina, proudly emerging from the plains of Verona, embodies the essence of the Veneto region. Its magnificent deep blue berries, large and gently oval in shape, tell tales of cherries and blackberries, spiced with cloves and cinnamon – a true sensory delight. Rondinella, delicate and dark as the night, reveals its charms in small, dark clusters. Its ruby red wines, infused with fruity aromas of red berries, immerse us in sweet memories, accompanied by a hint of spice. Corvinone, a close relative of Corvina, emerges with proud stature and dark splendour. Its berries, round and mighty, promise intense flavours of black cherries and plums, spiced with nuances of black pepper and tobacco – a feast for the senses. Lastly, Molinara presents itself with its delicate, small to medium-sized berries – gentle and elegantly long. Its refreshing, light aromas transport us into a sea of red berries, while we dream of fresh strawberry jam accompanied by a subtle spice. A true pleasure for all senses, bringing us closer to the lightness and freshness of Northern Italy. In every drop of Amarone Riserva, these noble grape varieties unite in a harmonious dance on the palate. A wine of unparalleled structure, body, and aging potential, inviting us to savour the beauty and diversity of Veneto.

The grapes for Casalforte Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG from Cantine Riondo are carefully harvested from the oldest vines, which possess a rich abundance of aromas and tannins. The harvesting process begins towards the end of September and is done by hand to handle the precious fruits with care. Then comes the intricate application of the Appassimento technique: the grapes are spread out in the enchanting hills of Valpolicella in special drying houses known as "Fruttai". There, in small crates, they rest until spring, undergoing a magical transformation. During this time, water evaporates while acidity, sugar, and extract intensify. After this drying phase, the grapes are gently pressed to extract their precious juice – a true treasure of highest concentration and sweet richness. This noble juice then undergoes a delicate fermentation in stainless steel tanks, where yeasts transform sugar into alcohol and breathe life into the wine. Subsequently, the Amarone embarks on its journey in large oak barrels, where it gently matures for over 48 months, allowing its unique aromas and complex structure to unfold. This longer maturation, compared to the "normal" Amarone, results in a more complex and structured wine. During this time, it becomes a true gem, capturing the essence of Valpolicella. After bottling, it is up to the connoisseur to explore the Amarone immediately or allow it to further mature in the bottle, revealing its true splendor and finesse. A wine of unparalleled elegance and sophistication, captivating the senses and conquering hearts.

The Amarone Riserva, born from the sun-drenched vineyards of Veneto, pours forth in a radiant ruby red of remarkable concentration. A true masterpiece of the senses unfolds in this wine, marked by opulent richness and unparalleled depth. Its intoxicating aroma leads the senses on a journey of sensuality, characterized by dark nuances of ripe black cherries, noble tobacco, and a hint of exotic spices. On the palate, it reveals an overwhelming density and sublime persistence that makes the heart of every wine enthusiast beat faster. A wine that captures the essence of Veneto in all its facets and takes us on an unforgettable journey of delights.

The Amarone Riserva from Cantine Riondo is a wine of elegant finesse and powerful presence. To fully unleash its potential, it should be decanted before enjoying at an ideal serving temperature of about 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Grilled vegetables such as eggplants, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are perfect companions for this noble drop. The spicy and roasted flavors of the vegetables harmonize seamlessly with the wine's complex nuances. Alternatively, savor the Amarone Riserva with hearty dishes such as braised beef, leg of lamb, game meats, or a juicy steak. The wine's magnificent aromas blend enchantingly with the intense flavours of the meat. For an extraordinary palate pleasure, we recommend serving this red wine with a selection of spicy and mature hard cheeses such as Parmesan, Pecorino, or aged Gouda. The harmonious pairing between the robust wine and the salty cheese is truly delightful. Another enjoyable option is to combine Cantine Riondo's Amarone Riserva with dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. The wine's sweet and fruity aromas complement the bitter richness of the chocolate, creating a sensory delight.

General properties

• Vintage: 2017
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Veneto
• Quantity: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Cantine Riondo - Via Cappuccini 6 - Monteforte d'Alpone (VR) - Italia - +39 045 6104346
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone and Molinara.
• Manufacturing: Casalforte Amarone Riserva is a blend of the finest batches of Casalforte Amarone with an extra two years of ageing in wooden casks: it is a Winemaker’s Choice of the most elegant batches showing the best natural expressions of the fruit in the wine. The blend for Riserva is necessarily limited: for its debut with vintage 2015, only 15,000 bottles are available for all markets as shown on the back labels that are counted progressively.
• Sensory characteristics: The Casalforte Amarone Riserva is a full-bodied wine that conveys great elegance and finesse with its remarkable perfumes of prunes and black cherry along with spicy cinnamon notes on the finish. On the palate, hints of liquorice and cocoa powder play with an exceptionally pleasant tannin that caresses the mouth and invites another sip.
• Colour: Ruby red colour of good concentration.
• Alcohol content: 15.5 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 6.0 g/l
• Acid: 5.40 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• How to serve: The Amarone goes perfectly with rich pasta dishes, game and grilled or steamed red meat and mature cheese. Excellent meditation wine.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 18 and 20°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites
• EAN (bottle): 8001968005412
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape varieties

CORVINA

The Corvina is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The exact origin of the Corvina vine is not clearly known, but it is believed to be an indigenous grape variety that has been cultivated in this area for centuries. The leaves of the Corvina vine are medium to large, rounded, and dark green in colour. The tendrils are long and flexible, which allows the vine to develop and grow well. Its clusters are generally medium-sized and grow into a loose and conical structure. The berries are medium-sized and have a thick, blue-black skin. The Corvina vine has a late ripening period, meaning the grapes are not harvested until late in the fall. This helps the berries reach optimal ripeness and concentration of aromas. The Corvina has adapted to the specific climate, soil and growing conditions of the Veneto region. Combined with other local grape varieties such as Rondinella and Molinara, it is often blended in different proportions to create complex and balanced wines.

RONDINELLA

The origins of the autochthonous Rondinella grape variety lie in the northern Italian region of Veneto and here in particular on the calcareous soils of the hills of the Valpolicella subzones Valpolicella Classico and Valpolicella Valpantena. The name "Rondinella" comes from Italian and means "little swallow". The grape variety could therefore derive its name from the shape of the grapes, which are slightly oval and reminiscent of the shape of a bird, or it could refer to the fact that swallows like to eat these grapes. The leaves of the Rondinella plant are typically medium-sized, rounded, and deep green. As with most vines, the glossy leaves are serrated. Their clusters are usually compact and medium-sized. They have a conical shape and are loosely arranged on the grape stems. The berries themselves are small to medium sized and surrounded by a thick skin. The colour varies depending on the level of ripeness from green to blue and finally, when fully ripe, to a dark purple or black. Rondinella vines tend to have moderate vigour and the plant is well adapted to the continental climate of the Veneto region. The tannins of Rondinella wines are usually soft and well-integrated. This makes them accessible and pleasant to drink, even at a young age. Typically, Rondinella is often blended with other local grape varieties such as Corvina and Molinara to create complex and balanced Valpolicella wines. A well-known example is Amarone, in which the grapes are dried before fermentation to promote more concentrated aroma development.

CORVINONE

Corvinone is a red grape variety grown primarily in the Veneto, a region in northeastern Italy. This is also where it has its origins. It is an autochthonous grape variety that has been grown in this wine region for a long time and has now become a key element in the traditional red wines from the Valpolicella area. The Valpolicella area, extending northwest of Verona, is famous for its unique red wines, including the renowned Amarone della Valpolicella. The leaves of the Corvinone vine are usually large, palmate, and deeply lobed. They have a strong green colour that can change over the growing season. The clusters are medium to large and form a dense, conical shape. The berries are dark blue and have thick skin. Corvinone vines tend to ripen late, meaning the grapes stay on the vine longer and are well suited to growing in regions with a longer growing season. The Corvinone prefers warm climates and well-drained soils to reach its full ripening potential. This grape variety has evolved and adapted over time in the vineyards of the Veneto to suit the climatic conditions and the demands of local wine production. Their contribution to the characteristic aromas and characteristics of Valpolicella wines has made them an important and valued grape variety in this region.

MOLINARA

Molinara is also a red grape variety that is mainly grown in northern Italy, especially in the Veneto region. It is traditionally one of the main ingredients of the famous Valpolicella wine, produced in the province of Verona. It is known that Italian grape varieties are sometimes named after external characteristics or shapes of the grapes. For this reason, "Molinara" could be derived from the Italian word "mulino", which means "mill", and which could allude to the shape of the grapes, which can look like millstones. The Molinara vine is a vigorous plant with medium-sized leaves. The medium-sized, thin-skinned fruits hang in loose, conical, or cylindrical clusters. The berries are also medium-sized and round in shape. The colour of the berries can range from a light red to a darker purple. Molinara grapes have medium to late ripening. They are known for retaining good acidity levels, resulting in wines with freshness and vibrancy. Overall, the Molinara grape variety has adapted to local climatic and soil conditions over time. The growing areas near Verona and around Lake Garda offer a Mediterranean climate and calcareous soils that are favourable for growing quality grapes. Molinara has a long tradition in the Valpolicella region, where it has been used in wine production for centuries. It is traditionally part of the blends for Valpolicella wines, including the famous Amarone and Recioto.

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