What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box)?
The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box) is one of the great symbols of Veronese and Italian winemaking. It is born in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, the historical area of the denomination, from Corvina Veronese and Rondinella grapes, coming from carefully selected hillside vineyards. This Amarone stands out for its extraordinary elegance and complexity, characteristics that make it a full-bodied, intense, and persistent wine, ideal for those who wish to discover the quintessence of Bertani tradition in a Magnum format that fully enhances its evolutionary potential.Vintage Details
The 2015 vintage is considered among the best of recent years in Valpolicella. The harvest benefited from a balanced climate, with warm but not excessive summers and a dry autumn that favored the natural drying of the grapes. This process, during which the bunches slowly dehydrate, concentrated sugars and aromas, giving the wine a rich and harmonious profile.Winemaking and aging
After drying for about 120 days in the drying room, the grapes are destemmed and subjected to a slow fermentation that takes place in mid-winter, at low temperatures, to preserve aromas and complexity. This is followed by a long maturation in large Slavonian oak barrels for about six years, a choice that allows the wine to develop a perfect balance between power and finesse, maintaining the freshness of the fruit. Only after this long period is the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Bertani bottled and further refined, until it reaches its full expression.Tasting Notes
The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box) is a complex and fascinating wine, to be savored slowly, allowing it to reveal its multiple aromatic layers.Color
It presents with a deep garnet red color, with ruby reflections that hint at its youth and vitality despite the long aging.Nose
On the nose, it offers a broad and elegant bouquet, with notes of ripe cherry, dried plum, and sweet spices, to which are added nuances of tobacco, cocoa, and vanilla. With aeration, hints of leather and red fruit in alcohol emerge, typical of the more traditional Amarone.Taste
On the palate, it is full and enveloping, with a velvety tannin that supports an imposing but perfectly balanced structure. Its aromatic persistence is long and pleasant, with a finish that recalls sour cherries, spices, and balsamic hints. A wine of great harmony, capable of evolving gracefully over time.What dishes to pair Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box) with
This Amarone pairs wonderfully with rich and structured dishes. Perfect with:- roasted or braised red meats, such as beef or wild boar;
- aged hard cheeses, such as Monte Veronese or Parmigiano Reggiano;
- traditional Venetian dishes, such as "pastissada de caval" or Amarone risotto;
- special occasions, also to be enjoyed as a meditation wine, to fully appreciate its complexity.
Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box) wine
To best preserve its characteristics, it is important to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani correctly:- Temperature: between 12 and 16 °C, away from heat sources and direct light.
- Position: bottle lying down, so that the cork remains constantly moist and ensures a perfect seal.
- Environment: stable and with controlled humidity around 70%.
Bertani
The history of the Bertani winery The Bertani winery is one of Italy's oldest and most respected wine producers, founded back in 1857. Its history is a blend of tradition and innovation, where the heritage of the past is carefully preserved, while new production techniques are adopted to meet mod...
How to open and best serve Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box)
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box), it is advisable to position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediment, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, ensuring a clearer and more pleasant service.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal temperature to enjoy this Amarone is between 18°C and 20°C. If the bottle has been stored in a cool cellar, leave it at room temperature for about an hour before opening. Avoid serving it too cold, as low temperatures can suppress its complex aromas.
3. Opening the Bottle
Given the aging process and the natural cork closure, it is important to open the bottle delicately:
- Use a lever-type corkscrew or a blade-type, ideal for older corks.
- Remove the capsule and clean the neck of the bottle.
- Insert the corkscrew slowly, avoiding piercing the cork completely to prevent residues from falling into the wine.
In case of a particularly fragile cork, you can filter the wine during decanting to retain any residues.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Before decanting, pour a small amount of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box) into a glass to check its quality. Observe the color, which should show deep garnet tones with orange reflections. On the nose, look for notes of ripe fruit, spices, and tobacco. If the wine is sound and pleasant, it is ready for aeration.
5. Decanting and Aeration
An Amarone of this vintage deserves adequate aeration to express its full complexity:
- Gently pour the wine into a large, clear decanting carafe, avoiding disturbing any sediment.
- Allow it to decant for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
- During decanting, contact with oxygen will help release aromas of kirsch, cocoa, and balsamic notes typical of Bertani Amarone.
6. Serving
Use large tulip-shaped glasses, which can enhance the wine's structure and aromatic intensity. Fill them about one-third full, to allow proper aeration even in the glass. Sip slowly, appreciating the evolution of the aromas and the persistent taste of this great Amarone della Valpolicella.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed entirely, re-seal the bottle with its cork or a vacuum stopper. Store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 Magnum - Bertani (wooden box) in a cool, dark place, away from heat sources. It can maintain its quality for 2-3 days after opening, especially if carefully stored and well-sealed.