Amarone Italian Wines

Amarone della Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most distinctive and indulgent red wine styles. Produced in the hills around Verona, Amarone is made using a traditional drying process known as appassimento, where harvested grapes are laid out to dry before fermentation. This concentrates sugars, flavours and structure, resulting in wines of remarkable richness and intensity.

Despite their power, the best Amarone wines retain balance and freshness, combining ripe fruit with savoury complexity and a long, warming finish. Amarone is often associated with special occasions, slow evenings and food that can match its depth.

How Amarone is made

After harvest, grapes are dried for several months, reducing water content and intensifying flavour. Fermentation then converts the high sugar levels into alcohol, producing a dry wine with elevated strength and body. Extended ageing allows Amarone to soften and integrate, developing layers of spice, dried fruit and savoury character.

This labour intensive process is what gives Amarone its unique profile and higher price point compared to other Valpolicella wines.

Grape varieties and flavour profile

Amarone is typically made from Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes. These varieties contribute dark cherry, plum and berry flavours alongside notes of raisin, fig, chocolate, coffee and spice. Tannins are firm but rounded, and the palate is full and enveloping.

While Amarone is dry, the fruit richness can give an impression of sweetness, balanced by alcohol and structure.

When to drink Amarone

Amarone is best enjoyed slowly, either on its own or alongside robust food. It benefits from being opened ahead of time or decanted to allow aromas to develop. While many Amarone wines are approachable on release, they can also age well, gaining complexity and smoothness over time.

Serve slightly cooler than room temperature to keep balance and freshness.

Food pairing with Amarone

Amarone pairs well with rich, savoury dishes such as braised meats, slow cooked stews, game and aged cheeses. Its power also suits dishes with depth and umami, where lighter wines may struggle. Amarone can also be enjoyed as a contemplative after dinner wine.

Why Amarone stands out

Amarone offers intensity without heaviness and richness without sweetness. It is a wine that showcases tradition, patience and craftsmanship, delivering a distinctive style that few other regions can replicate. For lovers of bold, characterful reds, Amarone remains a standout choice.

FAQs

Is Amarone a sweet wine?

No. Amarone is a dry wine, although its ripe fruit and high alcohol can give a sense of richness.

Why is Amarone higher in alcohol?
The drying process concentrates sugars, which are converted into alcohol during fermentation.

Does Amarone need ageing?
Many Amarone wines can be enjoyed on release, but they often improve with additional ageing.

How should Amarone be served?
Serve slightly below room temperature and consider decanting to allow the wine to open up.