Le Ragose Amarone Classico 2016

Valpolicella, Italy

Wine Details

Hand harvested in September-October. The grapes are laid out in single layers in shallow boxes until December/January. The raisined, non-botrytis grapes are fermented for up to 30 days in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeast. Aged for the first year in stainless steel followed by 2-5 years in large casks of Slavonian oak from 10-60 hectoliters.

Vineyards/Region

The 18 hectares of vineyards sit at 300 meters above sea level with a west, south-west exposure. The soil is clay laced with magnesium, calcium and iron on a tufaceous subsoil. The vineyards are 40 to 30 years old. There are 4,166 plants per hectare. Le Ragose is 100% estate grown grapes. No grapes whatsoever are bought. They also do their own enology and agronomy.

Tasting Note

Intense, concentrated black cherry, coffee, cocoa powder and currant bouquet. Dense, ripe and lush berries with a hint of dark chocolate. There is a surprising minerality and a vibrant acidity which make it intriguing. This is a wine of power and elegance, harmonic and enticing. The finish is long and satisfying.

Food Pairing

Excellent with wild game birds, wild goat, risotto alla’Amarone, gorgonzola cheese, dark chocolate desserts, cheesecakes, hazelnut and almond desserts.

Varietal

50% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 20% Corvinone, 10% other old local varieties.

Ratings & Awards