What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani?
The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani is a powerful and refined red wine, an authentic expression of Veronese winemaking tradition. It originates from the historic vineyards of Marano, in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, where the calcareous soils and volcanic rocks impart a unique personality to the wine: complex, elegant, and deeply territorial.
It is made from the native grapes typical of the denomination – Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella – carefully selected and left to dry in the natural drying rooms of the Albino Armani winery. The result is an Amarone of great structure, soft and intense, capable of evolving wonderfully over time.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage of ‘Cuslanus’ was characterized by a hot and dry summer, followed by an ideal autumn for the drying phase. Yields were naturally limited, resulting in a concentrated and harmonious wine, with a perfect balance between power and freshness. The hand-picked grapes showed optimal ripeness, guaranteeing aromatic intensity and velvety tannins.
Winemaking and Aging
After harvesting, the grape bunches are arranged in ventilated drying rooms where they rest for several weeks for appassimento (drying), the traditional process that concentrates sugars and aromas in the grapes. This is followed by a slow fermentation of about 90 days, the first 30 of which are in contact with the skins, to extract color and aromatic complexity.
Aging takes place in oak tonneaux for at least 36 months, during which the wine gains elegant spicy notes and extraordinary gustatory depth. The result is a well-balanced Amarone, perfectly mature and ready for many years of evolution.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani presents an intense garnet red with dark ruby reflections, a sign of age and the concentration achieved during drying.
Nose
The nose opens with enveloping aromas of brandied cherry, ripe plum, and red fruit jam, accompanied by pleasant notes of chocolate, sweet tobacco, and spices. With aeration, balsamic accents and light nuances of toasted wood emerge, enriching its complexity.
Palate
On the palate, it is broad, warm, and majestic. The structure is full, supported by silky tannins and a lively freshness that balances the wine's natural softness. The finish is long and persistent, with a return of red fruit and sweet spices that invites another sip.
Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani
This Amarone is perfect for accompanying important and flavorful dishes. Its characteristics make it ideal when paired with:
- Braised or stewed red meats
- Aged cheeses such as Monte Veronese or Parmigiano Reggiano
- Roasted game and wild fowl
- Complex and spicy dishes of Venetian tradition
For those who like to experiment, it is also a surprising companion with dark chocolate dishes or a board of blue cheeses.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani
The Amarone ‘Cuslanus’ is a wine destined for a long future. It can be stored for over 10-15 years, maintaining and developing new aromatic nuances. To preserve all its qualities, it is important to keep the bottles horizontally, in a cool, dark environment with constant humidity.
The ideal storage temperature is between 14 and 16°C. Before serving, it is advisable to allow the wine to oxygenate in a large decanter to allow the aromas and flavors to express themselves fully. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani is a wine to be shared on special occasions, capable of enhancing every moment with its elegance and authenticity.
Albino Armani
The history of the Albino Armani winery The Albino Armani winery boasts a rich history of tradition and innovation dating back to 1607. Rooted in centuries of experience, this family business is an example of how a winemaking legacy can coexist with modern approaches to produce wines that speak o...
How to best open and serve Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani, it is important to position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediments, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom without clouding the wine when served. Store the bottle in a cool place, away from heat sources and direct light.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
To best express the aromatic complexity of this Amarone, the recommended serving temperature is between 18°C and 20°C. If the wine is stored in a colder cellar, let it rest at room temperature for about half an hour before tasting.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever or two-pronged corkscrew to avoid damaging the cork, which may have slightly deteriorated with aging. Follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule below the neck ring, keeping the bottle rim clean.
- Gently insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork.
- Extract the cork slowly, keeping the bottle steady to avoid disturbing any sediment.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Once opened, smell the cork and check for any unpleasant odors. Pour a small amount of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani into the glass and taste it to ensure the wine is in good condition.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
This Amarone benefits greatly from decanting. Gently pour the wine into a decanter, avoiding pouring the last few centimeters from the bottle where sediments are concentrated. Allow it to oxygenate for at least 60-90 minutes to allow the complex bouquet to fully open, revealing notes of dried fruit, spices, and cocoa typical of the 2017 vintage.
6. Serving
Use large tulip or balloon-shaped glasses, ideal for structured wines like Amarone. Pour a moderate amount of wine to allow for aeration within the glass and swirl it lightly to appreciate its reflections and intense aromas. Pair Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Cuslanus' 2017 - Albino Armani with robust dishes such as braised meats, game, or aged cheeses.
7. Storage After Opening
If not entirely consumed, re-seal the bottle with the original cork or a vacuum stopper. Store it in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator, and consume within 3-4 days. The wine will maintain its elegance and structure, but will gradually lose some of its aromatic bouquet.