What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'La Marega' 2018 - Le Salette?

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'La Marega' 2018 - Le Salette is one of the emblematic wines of the Verona area, a significant red of extraordinary elegance. It originates in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, a historic production area for this denomination, from selected Corvina, Rondinella grapes and, to a small extent, other native varieties such as Molinara and Corvinone.

The result is a dry, intense, and structured wine, capable of combining power and harmony. The appassimento process – which involves resting the grapes for several weeks in ventilated rooms – concentrates sugars and aromas, giving the wine a complex body and a long-lasting taste.

Vintage details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions: a rainy winter, followed by a sunny but not excessive summer, ensured healthy and perfectly ripe grapes. The harvest period was carried out by hand, selecting only the best bunches for appassimento. This natural balance is reflected in the wine, which combines aromatic depth and a pleasant freshness.

Winemaking and aging

After appassimento, which lasts about three months, the grapes are pressed, and fermentation slowly takes place in the spring months. The long maceration – meaning the contact between must and skins – allows for the extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. Aging continues for about three years, divided between large barrels and barriques, where the wine develops complexity and roundness before resting in the bottle.

Tasting notes

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'La Marega' 2018 - Le Salette is a wine with a profound and seductive soul. Every sip tells the story of a unique territory, combining concentration, warmth, and finesse.

Color

It presents an intense garnet red with dark ruby reflections, a sign of maturity and concentration. The consistency, evident in the glass, anticipates a full-bodied wine.

Nose

On the nose, it reveals complex aromas of ripe cherry, dried plum, hints of sweet spices, and light notes of cocoa and tobacco. The aromatic elegance is amplified by balsamic nuances that give depth and freshness.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, enveloping, and persistent. The tannin – the component that gives structure and a slight drying effect – is fine and silky. The balance between softness, alcoholic warmth, and freshness makes this Amarone harmonious, with a long and pleasantly spicy finish.

What dishes to pair with Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'La Marega' 2018 - Le Salette

This Amarone is a meditation wine, perfect for accompanying rich and structured dishes. Ideal for convivial moments, it pairs with great elegance with:

• braised or stewed red meats;
• beef fillet or roasted game;
• aged and hard cheeses, such as Monte Veronese or Parmigiano Reggiano;
• spicy dishes or those with an intense cooking base, such as mushroom or truffle risottos.

Enjoyed on its own, it can also be an excellent meditation wine for those who want to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity.

Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'La Marega' 2018 - Le Salette

To best preserve Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'La Marega' 2018 - Le Salette, it is important to keep it in a cool, dark place with controlled humidity. The ideal temperature is around 14-16°C, avoiding thermal shocks and direct light.

Thanks to its structure and concentration, this Amarone has an extraordinary ability to evolve over time: it can refine in the bottle for over 15 years, developing increasingly complex and velvety aromas. For those seeking an important collectible wine or one to open on special occasions, "La Marega" will provide emotions capable of growing over time.