As we get into our cold, dark, winter days, many of us gravitate toward fuller-bodied red wines and deeper, more savoury dishes. I received this bottle of Monte del Frà Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018 to sample for you. Amarone sits at the top of the deeper, fuller-bodied red wines of Valpolicella. There is quite a process to create Amarone wine. I’ve outlined the methods below.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Monte del Frà Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018 (BC $59.99)
A blend of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes. From the winery, ” The grapes are harvested towards the second ten days of October after a short drying in the plant continued in the fruit cellar in boxes at controlled temperature and humidity. The resting of the grapes lasts for 120 days, depending on the season, until the sugar concentration of the grapes has reached at least 28% – 30%. A soft crushing and destemming takes place from late January to early March according to the vintages. Slow alcoholic fermentation in small steel vats with a long maceration of the skins to allow maximum aromatic and polyphenolic extraction. Once the malolactic fermentation is over, the wine is aged for at least 24 months in 20 and 30 hl french oak. Once bottled, it ages for at least 6 months before being going to market.”
Appearance: It has a clear, deep garnet colour. Teardrops were visible on the sides of the glass after swirling.
Nose: Medium-intensity, deep aromas of leather, black fruit, and some smokiness. With some air, the aromas of sweeter black fruit appear. No changes to the aromas after decanting.
Palate: This wine has a dry, medium-plus body with a thicker, smoother, and round mouthfeel. Not mouth-filling, which I prefer. A mix of sweet ripe black fruits, black cherries, and black pepper on the palate. Also some light toastiness. The wine gets more peppery toward the finish. The wine may feel less thick on the palate, more bitterness and prominent oak flavours after decanting.
Finish: Medium-plus length finishing with medium drying tannins. Ripe black fruit flavours, medium pepperiness, sweetness, bitterness, and woodiness. No changes to the finish with decanting.
This is a wine with deep aromas and flavours. It is quite balanced with the fruit, tannins, and acidity. You cannot tell that this wine has 15.5% alc. This wine can handle a long decant. It tasted better after two days being open with the bitterness lessened.
This wine would be good with roast beef. You can also add some to the gravy.
Rating: 
This Amarone has a clear, deep garnet colour. Medium-intensity, deep aromas of leather, black fruit, and some smokiness. it is dry, with a medium-plus body and a thick, smooth, round mouthfeel. A mix of sweet ripe black fruits, black cherries, and black pepper on the palate. Some pepperiness and bitterness toward the finish. Medium-plus length.
Where Can I Buy This Wine?
This wine is available for purchase at BC Liquor stores.
