What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Campo dei Gigli' 2018 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Campo dei Gigli' 2018 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio represents one of the qualitative peaks of the renowned Venetian denomination. It is born from a careful selection of indigenous grapes — mainly Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta — cultivated on the slopes of eastern Valpolicella. The result is a red wine of extraordinary structure, intense and complex, capable of combining power and elegance in perfect balance.

This Amarone is a symbol of a modern and refined interpretation of tradition: rich, enveloping, and surprisingly harmonious, ideal for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of great Venetian reds.

Vintage details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by regular climatic conditions, with mild temperatures and an excellent temperature range between day and night. This favored a balanced ripening of the grapes, which were healthy and rich in natural sugars, perfect for traditional drying. During the harvest, only the best bunches were selected, destined for a drying period of approximately three months, essential for concentrating aromas and structure.

Winemaking and aging

After drying, the grapes are slowly pressed and undergo a long-lasting natural alcoholic fermentation, which can even reach two months. This slow phase allows for the gradual extraction of color, tannins, and complexity. This is followed by a long maturation of 36 months in 500-liter French oak tonneaux, which imparts spicy notes and great roundness. Finally, the wine further refines in the bottle, completing a journey of overall balance and aromatic depth.

Tasting notes

Color

To the eye, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Campo dei Gigli' 2018 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio presents a deep ruby red color, which tends towards garnet with aging. The brilliance and density of the color anticipate the richness of the wine.

Nose

The bouquet is complex and enveloping: it opens with aromas of ripe cherry, fruit in spirits, and plum, followed by elegant hints of sweet spices, cocoa, and tobacco. The aging in oak confers harmony and balsamic nuances, making the olfactory experience rich and persistent.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with an imposing body balanced by a lively acidity. The tannins, soft but well-present, give structure and longevity, while the long persistence offers a warm and complex finish, in which notes of dark chocolate and ripe red fruits emerge.

What dishes to pair with Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Campo dei Gigli' 2018 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio

This Amarone is suitable for enhancing dishes with a strong and rich flavor. It is ideal for:

• braised beef or game
• fillet steak with black pepper or truffles
• aged cheeses such as Monte Veronese or Grana Padano Riserva
• autumnal dishes, based on mushrooms and truffles

It can also be an excellent meditation wine, to be enjoyed on its own, at the end of a meal, to fully appreciate its elegance and depth.

Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Campo dei Gigli' 2018 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio wine

To best preserve its quality, the wine should be stored at a constant temperature of approximately 14-16°C, away from sources of light and heat. The bottles should be kept horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and maintains an airtight seal.

Thanks to its structure and complexity, this Amarone has considerable aging potential in the bottle: it can refine for over 15 years, developing even deeper and more multifaceted aromas over time. A safe investment for one's cellar and a wine that offers increasing satisfaction with the passing years.