Amarone - The Big Italian
Amarone is a famous full-bodied wine produced in the Veneto region (Venice in this province) of Italy. The same grapes used in Valpolicella, Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella are used in commercial Amarone, however the processing of the grapes is what makes the difference in this wine.
Historically, the grapes are harvested a couple of weeks later than the regular harvest, to allow for the accumulation of sugar. The harvested grapes then were traditionally allowed to dry and shrivel on straw mats. This further concentrates the sugars and flavours. The resulting pomace is then crushed to produce the juice.
Today, the grapes are harvested later than the regular harvest, but are taken to specialized drying chambers to minimize handling and losses. The drying process not only increases the sugar content but increased the contact time with the skins giving the resulting wine higher tannin levels. Of course, the higher sugar content results in higher alcohol and through that more body.
Amarone wine is the epitome of fruit-forward wines. Commercial Amarone starts at $40 a bottle and exceptional Amarone can approach $200 a bottle. Amarone made from kits are undoubtedly the most full bodied wines available and extremely popular. Our Cellar Craft Showcase Amarone continues to be one of our most popular red wine kits. With the new Selection International Italian Amarone with Crushed Grapes customers will have another option for their wine cellars.