What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà
The Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà is a red wine from Veneto of great intensity and personality, born in the high hill vineyards cared for by Graziano Prà. It is a label that interprets the Amarone tradition in an elegant and contemporary key, maintaining a perfect balance between power and freshness. Produced from typical grapes of the denomination — Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella — this wine reveals a significant structure and soft tannins, with a broad and complex aromatic profile.Vintage details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by a dry and ventilated climate, ideal for the optimal ripening of grapes destined for appassimento. The grapes from the "Morandina" vineyard, located on a high hill, benefited from strong day-night temperature excursions, which helped preserve fresh aromas and good acidity. The result is a balanced and concentrated Amarone, with intact fruity notes and a pleasant vivacity.Winemaking and aging
The grapes are harvested manually and then laid out in the drying room for about two months, where the traditional process of appassimento takes place: a slow dehydration that concentrates sugars, aromas, and structure. After destemming and crushing (the separation of the berries from the stems and their pressing), the must ferments in vertical tanks for about 15 days, during which délestage is performed — a pumping-over technique used to extract color and aromas without stiffening the tannins. This is followed by malolactic fermentation, which naturally softens the acidity, and aging in wood: two-thirds in 5-hectoliter tonneaux and one-third in French Allier oak barriques. The maturation period gives the wine depth and gustatory complexity.Tasting notes
Color
In the glass, the Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà shows an intense ruby red color with garnet reflections, a sign of the wine's evolution and concentration.Nose
The nose is broad and refined, with notes of cherry in spirits, ripe red fruits, and spicy nuances of cocoa and vanilla. A subtle mineral vein also emerges, typical of the calcareous soils on which the grapes grow, which gives elegance and freshness to the bouquet.Palate
On the palate, it is soft, structured, and persistent. The alcohol and fruit richness are balanced by vibrant acidity and polished tannins, making the sip enveloping yet never heavy. The finish is long, with returns of sweet spices and balsamic sensations.Food pairings with Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà
This Amarone pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful dishes. Its intensity makes it an ideal companion for special occasions and convivial winter moments. It can be paired with:- braised meats, stews, and roasted beef or game
- aged and hard cheeses
- spicy dishes or those with mushrooms and truffles
- dark chocolate or dry desserts for the final pairing
Storage and aging: how to store Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà wine
The Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà is a long-lived wine and can evolve for over ten years, refining aromas and complexity over time. For optimal storage, it is advisable to:- store it horizontally, with the cork always in contact with the wine
- maintain a constant temperature between 12°C and 16°C
- avoid sudden temperature changes and direct light sources
Pra
The history of the Prà winery The Prà winery is a symbol of tradition and innovation in Italian viticulture. Founded on a solid family legacy, the company has successfully combined traditional techniques with modern and sustainable approaches, maintaining a deep connection to the territory and it...
How to open and best serve Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà
1. Bottle positioning
To best prepare Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà, it is important to position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours before opening. This allows natural sediments, typical of aged red wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from mixing during service.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Amarone expresses its aromatic complexity best when served at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C. If the wine is stored in a cellar, remove it about an hour before tasting to allow it to reach the perfect temperature. Avoid direct heating near heat sources to avoid altering the bouquet.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or double-bladed corkscrew to open the bottle gently, so as not to break the cork. Follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule just below the top ring.
- Carefully clean the neck with a dry cloth.
- Extract the cork slowly, keeping the bottle still.
Once opened, smell the cork: a clean and intense aroma is a sign of perfectly preserved wine.
4. Inspection and first taste
Before decanting, pour a small amount of wine into the glass. Observe the color – deep and garnet – and evaluate its clarity. On the nose, you should perceive complex notes of ripe red fruit, sweet spices, and subtle balsamic touches. A brief taste will help you verify the correct evolution of the wine and the absence of defects.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Morandina' 2017 - Prà is a structured wine that benefits from decanting. Slowly pour the contents of the bottle into a decanter, leaving the last centimeter of wine at the bottom to avoid sediments. Allow the wine to oxygenate for at least 45-60 minutes before serving.
Decanting allows you to:
- Separate natural deposits.
- Promote the full expression of aromas and taste balance.
6. Serving
Use large red wine glasses, ideal for allowing maximum oxygenation and concentrating the complex aromas of Amarone. Fill the glass about one-third full and gently swirl the wine to appreciate its olfactory intensity. This wine pairs beautifully with game dishes, braised meats, and aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not finish the bottle, reseal it with a vacuum stopper or, alternatively, with the original, well-cleaned stopper. Store the wine in a cool, dark place, preferably between 15°C and 18°C. Opened Amarone can maintain its quality for 2-3 days, but it is advisable to consume it within 48 hours to best appreciate all its nuances.