What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Santico' 2019 - Santi?

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Santico' 2019 - Santi is a great Veronese red wine that originates from one of the world's most acclaimed areas for producing complex and long-lived wines. It is a significant yet balanced wine, capable of elegantly expressing the hilly terrain of Valpolicella Classica. Crafted by the historic Santi winery, founded in 1843, the Santico 2019 combines tradition with a modern and refined style, designed for those who wish to discover the most authentic soul of Amarone.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage in Valpolicella was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with warm but not extreme summers and a cool autumn that favored optimal grape maturation. The result is an Amarone of great harmony, where the richness of the fruit blends with a splendid natural freshness, making the 'Santico' 2019 a pleasantly drinkable wine even in its early years.

Winemaking and Aging

The traditional Valpolicella grapes – Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella – are hand-picked and then subjected to the appassimento process, an ancient technique that involves dehydrating them for several weeks in well-ventilated drying rooms. This concentrates their sugar and aromatic content. After slow fermentation, the wine ages for several months in oak barrels, where it develops complexity and softness, before further bottle refinement.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Santico' 2019 - Santi presents an intense, almost impenetrable ruby red color, which over time tends towards garnet reflections. This is the first sign of its structure and depth.

Aroma

On the nose, it expresses ample and enveloping aromas of ripe red fruit, brandied cherries, plums, and jam. Spicy notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of sweet tobacco emerge afterwards, derived from its time in wood. The bouquet is complex and changes with every glass, revealing ever-new nuances.

Taste

On the palate, it is full-bodied, warm, and velvety. The tannic structure is silky and perfectly integrated, while a pleasant fresh vein prevents any sensation of heaviness. The finish is long and persistent, with echoes of dried fruit and sweet spices. A wine that captivates with its balance and depth, ideal for those who wish to approach the world of quality Amarone wines.

Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Santico' 2019 - Santi

Amarone is a meditation wine, but the 'Santico' 2019 also lends itself to accompanying substantial dishes. Its structure and roundness make it perfect for:

• Grilled red meats or braised dishes;
• Game meat, such as wild boar or deer;
• Aged cheeses, particularly Monte Veronese and Parmigiano Reggiano;
• Traditional Venetian dishes like pastissada de caval.

Thanks to its elegance, it also pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes and blue cheeses, which enhance its natural sweetness.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Santico' 2019 - Santi

Amarone is a wine that can evolve splendidly over time. To preserve its quality, it is important to know how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Santico' 2019 - Santi:

• Store bottles horizontally, so that the cork always remains moist;
• Maintain a constant temperature between 12°C and 16°C, away from sources of light and heat;
• Avoid vibrations or sudden temperature changes, which could compromise the wine's evolution;
• If properly stored, Santico 2019 can develop harmoniously for over 10-15 years, gaining complexity and refinement.

For an optimal experience, it is recommended to uncork the bottle at least an hour before serving and enjoy it at a temperature of 18°C, allowing its aromas to fully express themselves in the glass.