Viniou Reviews
Ca' dei Frati's "Cuvée Pietro Dal Cero" Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2016 is a distinguished red wine hailing from the heart of Italy's Veneto region. This Amarone exemplifies a meticulous blend of local grape varieties—primarily Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone—harvested at optimal ripeness before undergoing the traditional appassimento process: the grapes are partially dried for several months, concentrating sugars, flavors, and aromas. This labor-intensive method gives Amarone its signature depth and opulence. The 2016 vintage reflects excellent growing conditions, allowing the wine to exhibit a remarkable balance of richness, structure, and freshness. Aging in oak enhances its complex aromatics—black cherry, dried fig, cocoa, and exotic spices—while contributing velvety tannins and a lingering finish.
The Veneto region, nestled in northeastern Italy, is renowned for its varied terrain of rolling hills, alluvial plains, and foothills bordering the Alps. Its unique microclimate combines warm days with cool nights, ensuring slow, balanced grape maturation and vibrant acidity. The soils, a mosaic of limestone, clay, and gravel, bestow minerality and character to wines from this area. The historical Valpolicella area, celebrated for centuries of viticulture, has perfected the Amarone technique, producing wines admired worldwide for their intensity and age-worthiness.
Given the robust and layered profile of this Amarone, consider pairing it with equally flavorful dishes. Traditional regional pairings include braised beef with Amarone sauce, rich venison stew, or mature cheeses such as Monte Veronese or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. The wine’s power and texture also elevate dishes like truffle risotto or roasted duck with cherries, while its slight sweetness beautifully complements slow-cooked lamb or even dark chocolate desserts.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Amarone della Valpolicella at 17-18°C. Decanting for at least an hour prior to serving will allow its aromas to unfurl and its palate to fully express the wine’s depth and harmony. This wine is an excellent candidate for further aging, promising even greater complexity over the coming decade.
