What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano' 2020 - Speri

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano' 2020 - Speri represents one of the highest quality expressions from the historic Speri winery, among the most authoritative names in the Verona area. It is produced exclusively with traditional Valpolicella grapes — Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara — sourced from the prestigious Monte Sant’Urbano cru, a hillside vineyard in the heart of the Classica zone. Here, calcareous soil and a well-ventilated microclimate contribute to the slow and complete ripening of the grapes, key elements to the unique character of this Amarone.

The wine presents itself as a full-bodied red, powerful yet harmonious, capable of fully expressing the finesse and balance that distinguish the Speri family's production philosophy.

Vintage Details

The 2020 harvest was balanced, with ideal climatic conditions for the slow ripening of the grapes. Warm days and nocturnal temperature swings enhanced the aromatic concentration of the fruit. After manual selection, only perfectly healthy and ripe bunches were designated for 'appassimento,' a phase in which the grapes are left to rest in fruit drying rooms for several months, concentrating sugars and aromas.

Winemaking and Aging

After approximately 100 days of appassimento, the grapes for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano' 2020 - Speri are gently pressed. Fermentation occurs slowly, with a long maceration — meaning the contact of the must with the grape skins to extract color, aromas, and tannins. Aging follows in large oak barrels for approximately 24 months, before further resting in the bottle to perfect its harmony and complexity.

Tasting Notes

An Amarone that combines elegance and power, with a personality that is already captivating despite being a young wine. Each sip reveals the imprint of the terroir and the experience of a winery that has set standards in Valpolicella.

Color

Visually, it displays an intense garnet red, deep and luminous, with ruby reflections that hint at its youth and evolutionary potential.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and layered: notes of cherry in spirits, ripe plum, and dark fruit stand out, followed by spicy hints of black pepper, cocoa, and vanilla. With aeration, delicate balsamic nuances and a slight touch of licorice emerge.

Palate

The palate is full and enveloping, with a robust structure and silky tannins. The balance between residual sweetness and freshness makes it surprisingly harmonious. The persistence is long and rich, with a finish that recalls spices and dried fruit.

Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano' 2020 - Speri

This Amarone is an ideal companion for rich and structured dishes. Its characteristics also make it perfect for moments of meditation, enjoyed alone, in a large glass that enhances its aromas.

• Braised or stewed red meats
• Game and venison
• Aged and hard cheeses
• Typical Veronese dishes such as pastissada de caval
• Dark chocolate or cocoa-based desserts for a bold pairing

Storage and Aging: How to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano' 2020 - Speri

To fully appreciate its evolution, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 'Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano' 2020 - Speri should be stored carefully. The ideal storage temperature is around 14–16 °C (57–61 °F), in a dark, dry environment free from temperature fluctuations. The bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal against air.

This Amarone is already enjoyable today, but it will offer its best after bottle aging for at least 3–5 years. Over time, it will develop an even deeper aromatic complexity, transforming into a collector's wine capable of exciting even the most demanding palates.