Get ready for fall by stocking up on one of the Italian wine world’s most versatile wine pleasures-Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from Masi.
Consistently rated 90 points and above by all the leading wine publications, it is a match made in heaven with all the hearty dishes associated with Fall; Roast Leg of Lamb or Rack of Lamb, Pheasant, Venison, Duck, or any other Game Meat. Porterhouse or Cowboy Steaks on the grill and a sideboard of well-aged cheeses are also welcome companions.
Amarone’s can be a bit pricey, but the flavor boost you get from them is well worth the price. Besides, after slogging through the last blazing hot days of summer, getting the kids off to school, prepping the garden for a long winter’s nap and finally putting the finishing touches on that leaky roof, you owe it to yourself.
Amarone is one of the most popular choices for wine lovers in northern Italy and in much of Europe overall, but its little known or appreciated here in the States.
A recent gathering of Baker’s Dozen of Amarone producers in the U.S., sponsored by the trade association Famiglie Storiche entitled “Amarone: Fine and Contemporary Wine” gave wine journalists and embers of the trade an opportunity to explore the varied styles of some of Valpolicella’s top producers.
With its distinctive Ruby-red color and full-bodied flavors of ripe cherries, baked plums and roasted almonds and subtle hints of baked apple pie dusted with cinnamon, this is an elegant example of a rich, elegant wine made from the native Corvina grape.
Made from an ancient process in which the grapes are allowed to rest in ‘passito’ on racks until they are dried to gain greater complexity, the wine is allowed to ferment in natural yeasts and gently moved to small oak barrels for aging. Allowed to rest again in the bottles for several months before release, the wine develops further complexity.
Although it has an alcohol content of 16 per cent, the sensation on the palate is smooth and refined. This is a terrific example of a beautiful Amarone wine from one of the region’s most famous producers. For more on Masi and other great Amarone wines, visit famigliestoriche.it.
Food and wine can be a compliment to each other. Drink responsibly.