What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018 - Zýme

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018 - Zýme is one of the red wines that symbolize Veronese tradition, an authentic expression of the territory and the savoir-faire of the Zýme winery. It is made from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella grapes and a small proportion of indigenous grape varieties, perfectly balanced to create a full-bodied and structured wine. The "Classico" denomination indicates the historical production area, the most suitable, where the microclimate and calcareous soils favor the optimal ripening of the grapes, yielding intense and long-lived wines.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions, ideal for the grape varieties destined for this wine. After a warm but not excessive summer, the grapes reached uniform ripeness, ensuring aromatic concentration and silky tannins. The harvest took place manually towards the end of September, selecting only the healthiest and ripest bunches, which were then subjected to natural drying for about three months: a key phase that allows sugars, aromas, and color to concentrate.

Vinification and aging

After drying, the grapes are gently pressed and fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts only, in steel and concrete tanks, to best respect the fruit's personality. Prolonged maceration on the skins allows for the extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. Aging continues for five years in large Slavonian oak barrels: the non-invasive wood contributes to rounding out the taste profile and imparting complexity. Finally, an additional year in the bottle perfects the overall harmony, making the wine ready for tasting but with significant further aging potential.

Tasting Notes

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018 - Zýme presents itself as a wine of great balance and sensory depth, where power and elegance coexist naturally.

Color

In the glass, it shows an intense ruby red color, tending to garnet with age, a sign of its structure and concentration. Its brilliance and density when swirled immediately reveal its rich body.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and complex: notes of brandied cherry, ripe plum, and sweet spices emerge, followed by hints of cocoa and tobacco. With oxygenation, balsamic and mineral nuances can also be perceived, testifying to the aromatic depth typical of the Zýme style.

Palate

On the palate, it is warm, enveloping, and full-bodied. The tannins, present but perfectly integrated, accompany a solid and harmonious structure. The long finish, with echoes of red fruit and chocolate, leaves a velvety and pleasantly soft sensation. It is a wine capable of thrilling from the first sip, but which reveals its best with time and in the company of the right pairing.

What to pair with Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018 - Zýme

Thanks to its strong personality and great structure, this Amarone pairs perfectly with rich and savory dishes. Some ideal pairing ideas are:

• Braised and stewed beef or game
• Aged and hard cheeses, such as Monte Veronese or Parmigiano Reggiano
• Dishes with mushrooms or truffles
• Dark chocolate or bitter cocoa-based desserts, for a meditative pairing

It is also an excellent conversation wine, perfect for enjoying on its own on special occasions.

Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018 - Zýme wine

To best preserve the qualities of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2018 - Zýme, it is important to store it in a cool environment, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should be kept horizontally, away from direct light and vibrations.

This Amarone is a wine with exceptional aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for over 15 years, developing more complex aromas and an even more refined taste over time. For those who wish to discover the evolution of a great Venetian red, it represents a choice of great value and authenticity.