What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Pergole Vece” 2018 - Le Salette

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Pergole Vece” 2018 - Le Salette is a red wine of great structure and aromatic intensity, born in the heart of Valpolicella Classica. It is primarily produced from Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, indigenous varieties that reach their maximum expression here thanks to the unique combination of calcareous soils and a mild microclimate.

“Pergole Vece” represents the most iconic label of the Le Salette winery, the result of careful and rigorous processing that enhances the essence of Amarone: an important, complex, and generous red, capable of thrilling today and evolving magnificently over time.

Vintage Details

The 2018 harvest in Valpolicella was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with mild temperatures and excellent diurnal temperature variation. The grapes destined for “Pergole Vece” were manually selected from hillside vineyards in Fumane, chosen for the high quality of the bunches and their ability to withstand the drying period. This allowed for the production of a concentrated raw material rich in aromas, a perfect base for an Amarone of great elegance and longevity.

Winemaking and Aging

After harvesting, the grapes undergo a natural drying process for about three months: a period during which, due to the loss of some water, sugars and aromas become concentrated. The subsequent slow fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature, followed by a long maceration on the skins to extract color, aromas, and tannins. Aging extends for over three years in French oak barriques, where the wine acquires complexity and softness.

Tasting Notes

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Pergole Vece” 2018 - Le Salette is a wine with a strong identity, combining power and finesse in perfect balance. Its sensory characteristics make it ideal for palates seeking a rich and enveloping tasting experience.

Color

It presents a deep garnet red, bright and consistent, typical of Amarones with great extraction. When swirled in the glass, it reveals tight legs, a sign of its concentration and important structure.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses intense and complex aromas: kirsch, ripe plum, sweet spices, and notes of cocoa and tobacco. With aeration, more evolved nuances of licorice and toast emerge, testifying to the wood aging.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, warm, and velvety, with silky and well-integrated tannins. The imposing structure is balanced by a long and harmonious finish, leaving a pleasant sensation of dried fruit and dark chocolate. The persistence is remarkable, a characteristic that makes it a meditation wine or one to accompany rich dishes.

Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Pergole Vece” 2018 - Le Salette

This Amarone finds its maximum expression when accompanying structured and flavorful dishes. It is perfect for:

• Braised or roasted red meats
• Aged cheeses such as Monte Veronese or Parmigiano Reggiano
• Game dishes and truffle preparations
• Also ideal as a meditation wine, sipped alone in large glasses, to appreciate all its nuances.

Storage and Aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Pergole Vece” 2018 - Le Salette

To preserve the quality and longevity of this wine, it is essential to store it correctly. The Amarone “Pergole Vece” 2018 is a wine capable of evolving for decades, developing increasingly complex aromas over time.

• Storage temperature: between 12 and 16°C (53 and 61°F), in a cool environment free from thermal fluctuations
• Humidity: around 70%, to keep corks elastic and prevent oxidation
• Bottle position: horizontal, to maintain contact between the wine and the cork

If well-preserved, the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Pergole Vece” 2018 - Le Salette can age for over twenty years, revealing nuances of spice, leather, and candied fruit over time, typical of great long-aging Amarones.