Guerrieri Rizzardi 3 Cru Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018

Description

Guerrieri Rizzardi 3 Cru Amarone from the Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG classification which accounts for about 25% of total Valpolicella production. Amarone is produced from a similar blend of grapes to Valpolicella (although Molinara is not permitted). In this ‘3 Cru Amarone’ grapes are selected from Guerrieri Rizzardi’s 3 recognised single vineyards – Calcarole, Rovereti and Pojega.  Amarone is made from ‘recioto’ grapes, grapes that are dried pre-fermentation to increase their concentration and complexity. As a result this wine is intense in more ways than one – in aromas, flavours, colour and tannin. The drying process also alters the tannins and acids so that the wine becomes rich – but balanced. Of the grapes in this Amarone, Corvina brings elegance, aromas and acidity whilst Corvinone contributes colour, tannins and higher sugar levels. Rondinella adds floral notes to the aromas with Barbera bringing acidity, colour, body and fruit. The proportions in each vintage depends on the weather. In this vintage, 6% Sangiovese was also added for extra black fruit flavours.

The 2018 vintage is an exceptional wine from what started out as a difficult year; early rain turned eventually to warmer weather which brought complex fruit aromatics and flavours to the grapes. The blend is comprised of 45% Corvinone, 20% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 9% Barbera and 6% Sangiovese. On opening up, this wine presents ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas on the nose, which are complemented by more savoury flavours and warm spices from the oak.  The tannins are softening as the wine ages in bottle.  With high alcohol at 16%, this wine is rich and full-bodied, but the acidity ensures it remains well-balanced and not overly heavy. High alcohol is usual for Amarone due to the higher sugar content of the dried grapes but should be well-integrated as it is here, nicely balanced with the warm ripe fruit flavours. As it ages, the wine will continue to develop and reveal its full potential though it is drinking beautifully now. The finish is long with fruit and spice and the wine is lovely and smooth.