What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi?
The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi is born in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, one of Veneto’s most suitable areas for producing great red wines. It is made from typical local grapes—Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella—sourced from selected vineyards cultivated with respect for the environment. This is a full-bodied and well-structured wine, smooth yet powerful, representing the most authentic soul of Amarone: elegance, aromatic depth, and warm, enveloping notes that make it a meditation wine or a suitable pairing for important dishes.Vintage details
The 2011 vintage is remembered as balanced and favorable, with a regular summer and a dry September that allowed the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness. The harvest took place between late September and early October, selecting only the best, healthy, and perfectly ripe bunches. During the appassimento—the phase where the grapes are naturally dehydrated to concentrate sugars and aromas—a dense and rich raw material was obtained, an ideal base for a refined and harmonious Amarone.Winemaking and aging
After about three months of appassimento in a drying loft, the vinification of Morar 2011 takes place in January. Fermentation is slow, at a controlled temperature, to preserve complexity and aromatic depth. This is followed by long aging in wooden barrels for a period between 33 and 36 months, a phase in which the wine gains elegance, softness, and characteristic spicy notes. After aging in wood, the wine rests for another six months in the bottle, achieving a remarkably fine gustatory balance.Tasting notes
Color
In the glass, the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi presents a deep garnet red, with dark ruby reflections that testify to its maturity and concentration.Nose
The nose is intense and complex: aromas of ripe black cherry, dried plum, hints of cocoa, sweet spices, and tobacco emerge. With aeration, it opens up to balsamic and slightly ethereal notes, revealing the great evolution acquired during aging.Palate
On the palate, it is enveloping and soft, supported by silky tannins and a balanced freshness that balances the alcoholic richness. The structure is imposing yet harmonious, with a long finish that leaves notes of dried fruit, licorice, and spices in the mouth.Food pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi
This Amarone is perfect for accompanying important and flavorful dishes. It is best enjoyed with:- Elaborate red meats, such as braised dishes, roasts, or game;
- Aged and hard cheeses;
- Traditional Venetian dishes, such as risotto all’Amarone;
- Moments of meditation, perhaps paired with dark chocolate or enjoyed alone as an after-dinner wine.
Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi
To fully enjoy its potential, the “Morar” 2011 should be stored in a cool place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16 °C, away from light and vibrations. The bottle should be kept horizontal to keep the cork moist. Thanks to its structure and concentration, this Amarone can evolve in the bottle for over 15 years, developing increasingly complex and nuanced aromas. Serve it at a temperature of approximately 18 °C, preferably after brief aeration or decantation, to appreciate all its depth and finesse.Valentina Cubi
The history of the Valentina Cubi winery Valentina Cubi represents a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation in the wine world. Founded in the heart of Valpolicella, the winery stands out for its attention to quality and its connection to the territory. Valentina Cubi has inherited a winema...
How to best open and serve Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi, it's important to let it rest upright for at least 24 hours, especially if the bottle has been lying down for a long time. This allows natural sediments, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom and ensures a clearer pour.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
Temperature plays a fundamental role in fully appreciating the aromatic richness of Amarone. It is recommended to serve it between 17°C and 19°C. If the bottle is stored in a cellar at a lower temperature, bring it gradually to the ideal temperature, avoiding thermal shocks that could alter the wine's characteristics.
3. Opening the Bottle
To correctly open Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi:
- Use a lever or blade corkscrew to reduce the risk of breaking the cork, which is often more fragile in aged wines.
- Carefully remove the capsule and clean the top of the bottle neck.
- Slowly extract the cork, keeping the bottle steady and tilted as little as possible.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, it is advisable to check the wine's color and aroma:
- Pour a small amount into the glass and observe the hue, which in an Amarone 2011 will tend towards deep garnet.
- Gently sniff to check for complex and clean aromas. Any unpleasant notes at first impact may fade after a few minutes of oxygenation.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Decanting is an essential step for this structured and long-lived wine. Proceed as follows:
- Use a large decanter and slowly transfer the wine, avoiding disturbing the sediments at the bottom of the bottle.
- Allow it to oxygenate for 1–2 hours to encourage the aromas to open up and soften the tannins.
- For more refined tasting experiences, you can taste the wine at intervals to observe the aromatic evolution in the glass.
6. Serving
Serve Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi in large glasses, ideal for enhancing the aromatic intensity and body of the wine. Pour small quantities to allow the wine to breathe further. Pair it with structured dishes such as red meats, game, or aged cheeses for a perfect match.
7. Storage After Opening
If not entirely consumed, re-seal the bottle with an airtight or vacuum stopper. Store the wine in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Morar” 2011 - Valentina Cubi can maintain its qualities for 3–4 days, evolving slightly but remaining harmonious on the palate.