What wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOC 2015 - Brigaldara

Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOC 2015 - Brigaldara is a significant red wine, a symbol of Venetian winemaking tradition and the excellence of Valpolicella Classica. It is born from a careful selection of the best Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, sourced from Brigaldara's historic vineyards, located in ideal hilly areas for the slow ripening of the bunches. This Amarone Riserva stands out for its full structure, the balance between power and elegance, and a remarkable aromatic complexity that tells the full richness of its native territory.

Vintage Details

The 2015 vintage is remembered as one of the best for Valpolicella. The season, characterized by a warm summer balanced by cool nights, allowed the grapes to achieve perfect phenolic ripeness, essential for the production of a substantial Amarone. The harvest, carried out manually between late September and early October, ensured the selection of the healthiest bunches suitable for drying.

Winemaking and Aging

After harvesting, the grapes are placed in well-ventilated drying rooms for an appassimento period of approximately 100 days. This natural process concentrates sugars and aromas, typical of Amarone. Fermentation occurs slowly, in stainless steel, to preserve fineness and aromatic integrity, while maceration – the contact of the must with the skins – allows for the extraction of color, tannins, and aromas. This is followed by long aging: 3 years in barriques and an additional 2 years in 25 hl oak barrels. The result is a profound and harmonious wine, where the noble wood amplifies the nuances without ever masking the fruit's personality.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it presents an intense garnet red with deep ruby reflections, indicative of concentration and maturity. Clear and brilliant, it invites tasting.

Nose

On the nose, it offers a complex and enveloping bouquet: ripe red fruit, brandied black cherry, dried plum, and sweet spices such as vanilla, cocoa, and tobacco. Over time, hints of leather and licorice emerge, typical of Brigaldara's Amarone Riserva.

Palate

The entry is warm and velvety, supported by a fine but well-present tannic structure. The body is robust, underpinned by an impeccable balance between alcohol and freshness. The long and intense finish leaves an elegant memory of ripe fruit and spices in the mouth.

Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOC 2015 - Brigaldara

This wine is perfect for accompanying rich and flavorful dishes that can stand up to its structure and aromatic depth. Ideal with:

• braised beef, wild boar, or venison;
• roasts and long-cooked stews;
• aged cheeses such as Monte Veronese, Parmigiano Reggiano, or Pecorino Toscano;
• dishes with mushrooms and truffles.

For those who are daring, it is also surprisingly good with high-quality dark chocolate.

Storage and Aging: How to store Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOC 2015 - Brigaldara wine

Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOC 2015 - Brigaldara is a long-aging wine, capable of evolving for over 15 years if stored correctly. To store it best:

• keep bottles horizontally to keep the cork consistently moist;
• choose a dark place, with a constant temperature around 12-16°C (54-61°F);
• avoid vibrations and temperature fluctuations;
• ideal humidity between 65% and 75%.

As the years pass, the wine will develop evolved and increasingly complex notes: a sensory experience that rewards the patience of those who know how to wait.