Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Valpolicella region, Bertani Winery stands as a testament to time-honored tradition and innovative winemaking. Known for its meticulous attention to detail, Bertani produces exceptional Amarone wines, which embody the essence of mountainous terrain, rich soil, and a unique climatic tapestry.
Favorable weather conditions, including abundant rainfall during the spring, contribute to a very good vintage for Amarone production.
Additionally, a rainy winter impacts the subsequent growth phases of the vines, leading to early budding and ripening patterns that define the wine’s quality for that vintage.
Key Takeaways
Bertani amarone della valpolicella has a very rich bouquet of dry fruit and dark berries
The amarone della valpolicella is made using Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes
The grapes are dried in large barns on bamboo racks to concentrate the flavors and aromas
Bertani amarone della valpolicella classico pairs well with rich dishes like braised meats or cheeses with rich bouquet
A very good vintage is 1985, 1988 and 1995 Amarone della valpolicella
A younger very good vintage is 2011, 2012 and 2013 Amarone della valpolicella
Tasting Notes of Bertani Amarone
The Bertani Amarone has a very rich bouquet with notes of dried cherry, walnuts, coffee, and all the hazelnut, leading to wild herb, spices, and floral notes. The detailed tasting notes highlight the wine’s complex aromas and flavors.
The wine has a full-bodied palate with intense fruit, well-balanced with firm tannins, leading to a long, lingering finish.
The Bertani Amarone boasts an intense red hue with garnet accents, reflecting its rich and intricate taste. The aroma melds fruity scents such as plum, cherry, and Morello cherry with hints of tea, licorice, and spices. On the palate, the Bertani Amarone presents an elegant and harmonious blend of fruity and spicy flavors.
Bertani Amarone with Intense Garnet Red Colour
Bertani Amarone is a remarkable embodiment of the Italian winemaking tradition, celebrated for its rich flavors and complex character. Crafted primarily from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, this exquisite wine showcases the unique terroirs of both Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena.
The meticulous appassimento process—where grapes are dried on bamboo racks for several months—concentrates their sugars and intensifies flavors. This results in a luxurious palate bursting with notes of dark cherries, figs, and hints of spices that linger long after each sip.
Fermentation proces of Amarone della valpolicella classico
The slow fermentation process, occurring over about 30 days in concrete vats at a controlled low temperature, further enhances the wine’s complexity and character. This results in red wine with a a very high tannin content. Therefore they need to be stored 3-5 years before you can enjoy them.
Terroir Driven Wine
What sets Bertani apart is not just production technique but its commitment to terroir-driven wines that reflect their origins. While Classico boasts an elegance derived from older vines in the historical heartland of Valpolicella, the Valpantena equivalent introduces modernity with its robust structure and vibrant acidity.
Each pour invites enthusiasts to explore the nuances between these regions and appreciate how traditional craftsmanship meets innovative approaches in contemporary winemaking philosophy.
Aged in large Slavonian oak barrels, the wine develops a rich and complex flavor profile over several years. With every bottle uncorked, Bertani Amarone offers a tactile connection to Italy’s cultural heritage—an invitation to slow down and savor life’s joyous moments.
Sensory Profile
The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG presents a complex and intense sensory profile, showcasing the unique characteristics of the Valpolicella region. Upon pouring, the wine displays an intense garnet red color, immediately captivating the eye with its depth and vibrancy.
Nose of Bertani Amarone della valpolicella classico
The nose is greeted with a very rich bouquet, featuring notes of dry fruit, hazelnut, and spices. The aromas are intense and complex, with hints of tobacco, cacao, and leather weaving through the bouquet. As the wine opens up, the bouquet becomes even more pronounced, revealing a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory notes.
Palate of Bertani Amarone della valpolicella classico
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with a smooth texture that coats the tongue. The flavors are intense and concentrated, with notes of dried cherry, plum, and blackberry taking center stage. The wine’s acidity is well-balanced, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fruit.
The finish is long and lingering, with a subtle bitterness that adds depth and complexity to the wine. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a smooth and silky texture that makes the wine a pleasure to drink. Overall, the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG is a wine that rewards patience and attention. With its complex sensory profile and rich bouquet, it is a wine that will appeal to fans of full-bodied Italian reds. Whether paired with rich and savory dishes or enjoyed on its own, this wine is sure to impress.
Production and Vintages in Large Slavonian Oak Barrels
What sets this iconic wine apart is the ancient technique of appassimento, which involves drying freshly harvested grapes for several months on bamboo racks. This slow dehydration concentrates the sugars, flavors, and acidity, resulting in a rich and complex profile that beautifully balances power with elegance.
The august long period significantly impacts grape ripening, enhancing the wine’s quality. Bertani has honed this tradition since 1857, ensuring that every bottle encapsulates not just flavor but also a narrative woven into its velvety texture.
Grapes used for Amarone della valpolicella
The estate’s meticulous approach emphasizes varietals such as Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara—grapes specific to Valpolicella—that contribute not just depth but layers of fruity notes reminiscent of cherry and plum interlaced with subtle hints of spice and earthy undertones.
Higher average temperatures during the growing season contribute to early budbreak and successful flowering. These conditions guaranteed proper development of the grape bunches, leading to enhanced quality and characteristics. Aging further enhances this experience as it rests for years in large oak casks; this patient maturation process allows the wine to develop complexity while retaining vibrant freshness.
The best vintages are the 1985, 1988 and 1995 if you are looking at older wines. The younger 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintages receive high ratings, too, often described as a very good vintage due to favorable climatic conditions.
Wine Heritage, Rich Bouquet, and Pairing Options
Bertani’s Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a traditional wine that embodies the region’s winemaking heritage.
This wine is made from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, which are carefully selected and harvested to ensure optimal ripeness.
The wine pairs well with rich and savory dishes, such as braised meats, game, and strong cheeses.
It is also a great match for dark chocolate and fruit-based desserts. The wine’s complex flavors and tannins make it a great pairing for robust and savory flavors.
Conclusion
Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico stands as a testament to the rich winemaking heritage of the Veneto region. Its complex flavor profile, characterized by dark fruit notes and subtle hints of spice, captivates both novice wine drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
The meticulous production process, which includes the traditional appassimento technique, ensures a full-bodied experience that is both luxurious and memorable.
As this remarkable wine continues to garner acclaim in international circles, it also serves as an invitation to explore the depth and diversity of Italian wines. Indulge in a bottle of Bertani Amarone today and savor the essence of Italy with every sip.
ChristinaDay
Hi, my name is Christina Day, and I am a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur. It is my favorite alcoholic drink, and I enjoy nothing better than kicking back on the sofa after a long week of work to enjoy a glass of wine… or two!
