What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano?
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano is one of the most iconic and sought-after Italian red wines, produced in the heart of Valpolicella, in Veneto. It is a wine made from traditional local grape varieties – Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta – which give life to an Amarone of great body, intensity, and structure. This Amarone fully represents the production philosophy of Dal Forno Romano, one of the most prestigious and innovative wineries in the appellation, capable of combining tradition and oenological research.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by a hot and dry summer, followed by a more balanced September, which allowed the grapes to ripen uniformly. The grapes were selected one by one, hand-picked, and placed in drying rooms for natural appassimento, a process that concentrates sugars, aromas, and substance. The result is a powerful yet elegant wine, with a perfect balance between richness and freshness.Vinification and Aging
After about three months of appassimento, pressing takes place in mid-December, when the grapes have lost a significant portion of their weight, thus increasing aromatic concentration. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, followed by a long maceration on the skins to extract color, aromas, and tannins. Aging continues for 36 months in new French oak barriques, where the wine develops complexity and finesse, and is completed with at least 24 months in bottle before commercial release.Tasting Notes
The Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano is a complete sensory experience, capable of captivating even those who are new to this great Venetian red.Color
Intense and deep, a brilliant garnet red with dark ruby reflections, indicating concentration and longevity.Nose
On the nose, it opens with complex hints of ripe cherry, dried plum, and blackberry, which blend with notes of cocoa, sweet spices, tobacco, and vanilla. The aromatic evolution is continuous, elegant, and persistent.Palate
On the palate, it is enveloping, warm, and of great structure. The tannins, dense yet velvety, accompany an extraordinary persistence. Returns of dark fruit and spices are perceived, blending into a long and harmonious finish. It is a wine that evolves in the glass, perfect for meditation or special moments.Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano
This Amarone pairs splendidly with rich and flavorful dishes. Here are some ideas to best enhance its characteristics:- Red meats stewed or braised, such as classic beef braised in red wine or beef stew.
- Aged cheeses, such as Monte Veronese or Parmigiano Reggiano, which balance its softness.
- Game dishes, roasts, and preparations with structured sauces.
- Also excellent as a meditation wine, accompanied by dark chocolate or on its own, to appreciate its full complexity.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano
To preserve the excellence of this Amarone, it is important to store it in the right conditions:- Ideal temperature: between 12°C and 16°C, away from heat sources and vibrations.
- Position: bottles should be kept horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and ensures an airtight seal.
- Light and humidity: dark environment with controlled humidity around 70%.
From the Roman Bakery
The history of the Dal Forno Romano winery The Dal Forno Romano winery represents a true bastion of Italian winemaking tradition. Since the 1980s, this family business has successfully combined the cultural heritage of the territory with continuous innovation. Their rigorous commitment and passio...
How to best open and serve Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano, it's important to position the bottle correctly. If it has been stored horizontally, place it upright at least 24 hours before serving to allow any sediment to settle at the bottom. Avoid abrupt movements that could stir up the contents.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
This wine expresses itself best between 18°C and 20°C. If the bottle has been stored in a cool cellar, leave it at room temperature for about an hour before opening. Do not use rapid heating methods, which could alter its aromatic balance.
3. Opening the Bottle
To open the Amarone correctly, follow these steps:
- Remove the capsule with a foil cutter, cutting just below the neck ring.
- Wipe the rim with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
- Insert the corkscrew into the center of the cork and turn gently, avoiding force to prevent breaking it.
- Extract the cork slowly and firmly, preferably using a lever or double-action corkscrew.
4. Inspection and Initial Tasting
Once opened, smell the cork: it should have a clean, intense aroma, free from unpleasant odors. Pour a small amount into the glass and evaluate the bouquet. Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano should offer complex and mature notes of red fruit, spices, and chocolate. If the wine is sound, proceed with decanting.
5. Decanting and Aeration
The 2017 Amarone is a structured and concentrated wine: decanting is essential to allow the aromatic bouquet to open up and to separate any natural sediment. Slowly pour the wine into a decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and a light under the neck to check for residues. Allow the wine to aerate for at least an hour before serving, ideally up to two hours for full aromatic expression.
6. Serving
Use large, preferably tulip-shaped, glasses to enhance the wine's complexity. Pour about a third of the glass and swirl slowly to release the aromas. Pair Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano with robust dishes such as red meats, game, or aged cheeses for a perfect match.
7. Storage After Opening
If not fully consumed, reseal the bottle with its original cork or an airtight stopper. Store upright in a cool, dark place. Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' 2017 - Dal Forno Romano will retain its characteristics for 2-3 days if well-sealed; beyond this period, it will gradually lose aromatic intensity.