What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 - Monte Dall’Ora
The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 - Monte Dall’Ora represents one of the most authentic expressions of the Veronese territory. It originates from the hills of Castelrotto, the heart of Valpolicella Classica, where the calcareous soils and biodynamic viticulture enhance the complexity of the native grapes. The main grape varieties are Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, cultivated using the ancient "vite maritata" (married vine) technique, where the vines grow intertwined with natural willow supports, called "stropa," from which the wine takes its name. The result is a full-bodied, elegant red with a genuine character, ideal for those seeking an Amarone with personality.Vintage details
The 2015 vintage is characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but not extreme summers and good temperature fluctuations that favored a complete maturation of the grapes. Manual harvesting, with careful selection of the best bunches, ensured only the healthiest and most concentrated grapes. After harvesting, the bunches are left to dry for about 3-4 months in special airy rooms, a period during which they lose some of their water, concentrating sugars and aromas.Winemaking and aging
Fermentation occurs spontaneously, thanks to the indigenous yeasts naturally present on the skins, in open oak vats that favor a slow and controlled fermentation. The wine is then aged for at least 3 years in 25-hectoliter oak barrels, followed by a rest of over 30 months in the bottle. This long maturation period allows for an balanced Amarone, powerful yet harmonious, capable of combining structure and finesse.Tasting notes
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 - Monte Dall’Ora is a wine of great depth, revealing the care and patience with which it was produced.Color
Visually, it presents an intense garnet red, with deep ruby reflections, a sign of maturity and concentration. Its luminosity in the glass anticipates the aromatic richness that distinguishes it.Nose
The bouquet is broad and enveloping, with aromas of cherry in brandy, ripe plum, and balsamic notes. This is followed by hints of sweet spices, cocoa, and tobacco, which emerge elegantly after a few minutes in the glass. The unmistakable olfactory complexity of "Stropa" is the result of careful appassimento and a long aging in wood.Palate
On the palate, it is full and velvety, with a full-bodied structure and silky tannins. The sweetness of the fruit is perfectly balanced with a fresh acidity that provides balance and invites another sip. The aromatic persistence is long and deep, with hints of bitter chocolate and licorice.What dishes to pair with Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 - Monte Dall’Ora
This Amarone is an ideal companion for rich and decisive dishes. It pairs perfectly with:- Braised or roasted red meats
- Intensely flavored game
- Aged and hard cheeses
- Traditional Veronese dishes, such as risotto all'Amarone
Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 - Monte Dall’Ora
To preserve the intact qualities of this great wine, it is recommended to store it in a cellar at a constant temperature between 14 and 16°C, away from sources of light and heat. The bottle should remain in a horizontal position to keep the cork moist and ensure perfect sealing. Thanks to its structure and complexity, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 can evolve in the bottle for over 15-20 years, developing further tertiary aromas and finesse. Opened today, it already offers an extraordinary expression of balance and depth; when aged, it will reveal all the nobility of Valpolicella over time.Monte Dall'Ora
The history of the Monte Dall'Ora winery The Monte Dall'Ora winery is synonymous with tradition, heritage, and innovation. Located in the heart of Valpolicella, the history of this winery is rooted in a past rich with a passion for viticulture. With a heritage built on traditional methods and a f...
How to open and best serve Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 - Monte Dall'Ora
1. Bottle positioning
To best enjoy Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 - Monte Dall'Ora, it's important to start with correct bottle positioning. If stored horizontally, place it vertically at least 24 hours before serving to allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom. This ensures a clear and pleasant pour.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal temperature for serving Amarone is between 18°C and 20°C. If the wine is stored in a cooler cellar, let it rest at room temperature for a few hours. Avoid heating it quickly to prevent altering its complex aromas and structure.
3. Opening the bottle
Proceed calmly and precisely:
- Cut the capsule below the ring of the bottle neck.
- Clean the rim with a clean cloth to remove any dust or mold residue.
- Use a lever or winged corkscrew to gently extract the cork, avoiding breaking it.
In aged wines like this 2015 Amarone, the cork can be more fragile: extract it slowly to keep it intact.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, smell the cork to ensure the wine has no defects (cork taint or unpleasant odors). Pour a small amount into the glass and visually assess the color, which should be an intense garnet red with orange reflections, a sign of the vintage's natural evolution. Taste a small sip to check the quality and aromatic integrity.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Stropa' 2015 - Monte Dall'Ora benefits significantly from decanting. Perform this step carefully:
- Use a large decanter that promotes oxygenation.
- Slowly pour the wine, keeping the bottle tilted and observing for any sediments, stopping the pour before they reach the decanter.
- Let the wine rest for at least 45–60 minutes before serving, to allow the full expression of its aromas of ripe fruit, spices, and balsamic notes.
6. Serving
Serve Amarone in large, tulip-shaped, or balloon-shaped glasses that allow for proper aeration and concentration of aromas. Pour slowly, avoiding agitation. This structured Amarone pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as braised meats, game, and aged cheeses, but can also be enjoyed on its own as a meditation wine.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not consume the entire bottle, reseal it with an airtight stopper and store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Amarone will maintain its characteristics for 2–3 days. Before serving it again, gradually bring it back to the ideal temperature to best appreciate its aromatic evolution.