What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia?
The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia is a powerful and refined red wine, made from a careful selection of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, with small percentages of historical indigenous varieties from the area. It is born in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, in the "Le Balze" cru, a hillside area cultivated under organic farming practices, where exposure and altitude yield grapes of great aromatic complexity and structure. It is the flagship wine of the Novaia winery, a label that represents the perfect synthesis of tradition, elegance, and territorial identity.Vintage details
2017 was a year with a unique climate, featuring a hot summer balanced by cool nights that preserved the natural acidity of the grapes. The harvest, smaller in quantity, resulted in concentrated grapes rich in substance, perfect for the long appassimento phase that characterizes quality Amarone wines.Winemaking and aging
After manual harvesting, the grapes are subjected to appassimento (a slow dehydration process in drying rooms that concentrates sugars and aromas) for about 100 days. This is followed by fermentation in French oak vats, where the must remains in contact with the skins to facilitate the extraction of color and aromatic compounds. Aging then continues for 36 months in wooden barrels of various sizes, with further refinement in the bottle before commercialization, allowing the wine to reach its full harmony.Tasting notes
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia is a complex and intense wine, capable of combining strength and finesse.Color
It presents a deep garnet red, rich in dark ruby reflections, a sign of maturity and concentration.Nose
The aroma is broad and complex: hints of cherry in brandy, dried plum, and sweet spices emerge. With aeration, notes of cocoa, tobacco, and black pepper are revealed, testament to the wood aging and long evolution.Taste
On the palate, it is full, velvety, and enveloping. The tannins (natural substances derived from the skins and wood that give structure) are mature and well-integrated. The balance between alcoholic sweetness, acidity, and sapidity makes the finish long, persistent, and harmonious.Food pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia
This Amarone is perfect to accompany flavorful dishes and slow-cooked preparations. Ideal with:- braised or stewed red meats;
- roasted game and aged cheeses;
- traditional Venetian dishes such as "pastissada de caval."
Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia is a wine designed for long-term aging. To preserve all its characteristics, it must be stored in a place with a constant temperature between 14 and 16°C, away from light and sudden temperature changes. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal. If stored correctly, it can evolve positively for over 15 years, developing increasingly complex and nuanced aromas.Novaia
The history of Novaia winery The Novaia winery is a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can coexist in harmony. Located in the heart of Valpolicella, Novaia stands out for its rich history and profound knowledge of the territory passed down from generation to generation. For over a ce...
How to open and best serve Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia, position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows the wine's natural sediments, typical of older labels, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass during service. Always handle the bottle gently, avoiding abrupt movements or shaking.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The perfect temperature to serve this Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia is between 18°C and 20°C. If the wine is stored in a cellar at a lower temperature, gradually bring it to the ideal temperature, avoiding heating it near heat sources. The correct temperature will enhance the wine's aromatic complexity and tannic softness.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or blade corkscrew to carefully remove the capsule and cork. In aged wines, such as Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia, the cork may be more fragile. If necessary, use a double-bladed extractor to prevent breakage. Then clean the neck of the bottle with a clean cloth before proceeding with the tasting.
4. Inspection and first taste
Immediately after opening, pour a small amount of wine into a glass and observe the color, which should be deep and brilliant, with garnet tones typical of aging. Proceed with a first taste to ensure the wine is in perfect condition: the aroma should be intense and complex, free of oxidized or faulty notes.
5. Decantation and oxygenation
Decanting the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia is essential to best enhance its bouquet. Slowly pour the wine into a carafe or decanter, leaving any sediments at the bottom. Allow it to oxygenate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This decantation time allows the complex aromas to fully develop and the tannins to soften the gustatory structure.
6. Service
Serve the wine in large red wine glasses to promote oxygenation during tasting. Pour a moderate amount of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia at a time, so that each guest can appreciate its aromatic evolution sip by sip. It is advisable to pair it with robust dishes, such as red meats, game, or aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, store the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 'Le Balze' 2017 - Novaia in a cool, dark place, re-sealing the bottle with its cork or an airtight stopper. Under these conditions, the wine will maintain its characteristics for 2-3 days. For longer optimal storage, use a vacuum pump or an inert gas preservation system.