What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Pegrandi' 2018 - Vaona

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Pegrandi' 2018 - Vaona is a significant red wine with great personality, a symbol of Veronese winemaking tradition. Produced with the typical Valpolicella grapes — Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella — sourced from vines that are up to forty years old, this Amarone is born from a careful selection of grape bunches and a slow, natural appassimento (drying) process. The result is a full-bodied, soft, and enveloping wine, capable of combining intensity and finesse.

Vintage details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with a warm but not excessive summer, ideal for optimal grape ripening. Late-season rains favored a perfect balance between sugars and acidity, fundamental qualities for an Amarone capable of evolving over time. The harvest was done manually, selecting only the healthiest and ripest bunches destined for drying in the Vaona winery's drying rooms.

Winemaking and aging

After about three months of appassimento, during which the grapes lose much of their water, concentrating aromas and sugars, slow fermentation begins at a controlled temperature. The wine then undergoes a prolonged maceration, which allows for the best extraction of color and tannins. Aging takes place in oak barrels for at least two years, followed by an additional period of rest in the bottle, which completes its harmony and enhances its sensory profile.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, it presents a deep garnet red with ruby reflections, typical of well-evolved Amarone. Its richness and structure are evident in its consistency, visible even when swirled.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and complex: notes of ripe cherry, plum, and fruit in spirits emerge, followed by nuances of cocoa, sweet tobacco, and spices. With aeration, elegant balsamic and toasted wood hints also appear.

Palate

On the palate, the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Pegrandi' 2018 - Vaona impresses with its balance and depth. The taste is warm, velvety, and persistent, with silky tannins that perfectly balance the alcoholic softness. The finish is long, refined, and pleasantly savory, inviting the next sip.

Food pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Pegrandi' 2018 - Vaona

This Amarone is best expressed alongside structured and richly flavored dishes. Ideal to accompany:

• Stewed or braised red meats
• Feathered and furred game
• Aged cheeses, such as Monte Veronese or Parmigiano Reggiano
• Typical Venetian dishes, such as Amarone risotto

For a less traditional pairing, it can surprisingly be matched with dark chocolate or a meditative late-night conversation.

Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Pegrandi' 2018 - Vaona

Thanks to its structure and the perfect balance between tannins, alcohol, and acidity, 'Pegrandi' is a wine with considerable aging potential, capable of evolving positively for over ten years. To store it best, it is recommended to keep the bottles:

• lying down, so that the cork remains moist
• in a dark environment, with a constant temperature between 14°C and 16°C
• with controlled humidity around 70%

By following these precautions, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Pegrandi' 2018 - Vaona will continue to mature, developing new and fascinating aromatic nuances, providing authentic emotions with every opening.