What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto?
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto is one of the most representative red wines of Veneto, the fruit of centuries of tradition and a unique territory. It is made from classic grape varieties as per the regulations — Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella — sourced from vineyards over 30 years old located between 100 and 400 meters above sea level, trained using the traditional double pergola system. The result is a structured wine with great personality, capable of expressing all the depth and elegance of its origin territory.Vintage Details
The 2015 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with a warm but not excessive summer and a dry autumn, ideal for the grape drying process, which is fundamental to the Amarone method. These conditions favored perfect phenolic ripeness, resulting in a wine of extraordinary concentration and aromatic complexity, yet harmonious and elegant.Winemaking and Aging
After harvesting, the grapes are carefully selected and left to dry for several months in well-ventilated drying rooms. This slow dehydration process concentrates sugars and aromas, giving the wine its typical intensity. This is followed by a slow fermentation and prolonged maceration on the skins, useful for extracting color and aromas. Aging takes place in wooden barrels for 36 months, an essential step that allows the wine to develop balance, roundness, and aromatic complexity.Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto presents an intense garnet red with brilliant ruby reflections, a sign of its slow and harmonious evolution.Nose
The aroma is broad and enveloping: notes of ripe red fruit, brandied cherry, dried plum, and sweet spices such as cocoa and vanilla are recognizable. Balsamic and tobacco hints also emerge, contributing to its complexity and aromatic depth.Palate
On the palate, it is full, warm, and velvety, with great structure. The tannin – that slightly drying sensation typical of red wines – is soft and well-integrated, testifying to the excellent balance achieved over time. The aromatic persistence is long and satisfying, with a finish that recalls ripe fruit and bitter chocolate.Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto
This Amarone pairs perfectly with rich and structured dishes that can stand up to its intensity. Ideal with:- Roasted or braised red meats
- Game and aged cheeses
- Mushroom or truffle dishes
- Creamy risottos with a bold flavor, such as Amarone or radicchio from Verona
Storage and Aging: How to Store Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto
To preserve its characteristics over time, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto should be stored in a cool place, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature is between 14 and 16°C, in a horizontal position to keep the cork consistently moist. It is a wine with great aging potential: it can evolve elegantly for over 10-15 years, developing even more complex and refined notes over time. A true investment for those who wish to keep a signature red wine in their cellar.San Benedetto Court
The History of Corte San Benedetto Winery Corte San Benedetto is a winery where tradition, family heritage, and innovation intertwine to create wines of excellence. Founded by a passionate family rooted in the heart of the Italian hills, the winery has managed to keep the respect for wine culture...
How to best open and serve Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto, let the bottle rest upright for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediments, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from mixing during service.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The wine should be brought to its optimal serving temperature of 18-20°C (64-68°F). If the bottle has been stored in a cellar at a lower temperature, it can be gradually brought to the ideal temperature by letting it rest in a room-temperature environment for a few hours. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which could alter the aromatic bouquet.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever corkscrew or a double-blade corkscrew, particularly recommended for vintage wines like Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the capsule below the bottle's neck ring.
- Clean the rim with a clean, dry cloth.
- Slowly extract the cork to prevent it from breaking or fragments falling into the wine.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Carefully observe the cork: if it shows moisture or a slight vinous odor, that's normal; any unpleasant smells indicate a possible defect. Pour a small amount of wine into the glass for a first control taste. Check that there are no cork taint or oxidation odors.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
For a structured and complex wine like Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto, decanting is highly recommended. This process separates the wine from sediments and promotes oxygenation, enhancing the ripe fruit, spice, and balsamic notes typical of Amarone.
- Slowly pour the wine into a carafe or decanter while keeping the bottle tilted.
- Stop pouring as soon as the sediments begin to reach the neck of the bottle.
- Allow it to oxygenate for at least 45-60 minutes before serving.
6. Serving
Serve Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto in large tulip-shaped glasses, which enhance its aromatic intensity and smoothness on the palate. Pour about one-third of the glass to allow the wine to breathe and fully release its complex aromas of brandied cherry, chocolate, and spices.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed immediately, the wine can be stored for 2-3 days, provided it is well sealed with an airtight stopper and kept in a cool place, away from light and heat sources. To slow down oxidation, it is advisable to use a pump to remove residual air or inert gas preservation systems.
By following these instructions, you can best enjoy every nuance of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 - Corte San Benedetto, appreciating all its elegance and aromatic depth.