Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from Zenato is a dry Italian red made in the Amarone style. The name points to the Classico zone of Valpolicella in Veneto. Amarone is made from grapes, traditionally Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella, that are dried before fermentation. Drying concentrates sugars and flavor, so these wines are full-bodied and high in alcohol, and they carry a dense, dark-fruited character. Check the bottle label for the exact blend, vintage and alcohol level, since this listing doesn't specify them. Expect a style that leads with dried cherry, black plum, fig and raisin. Cocoa, tobacco, baking spice and a bittersweet almond or amaro-like edge often follow. Despite the dried-fruit richness, Amarone is typically fermented to dryness, so the impression of sweetness comes from ripe fruit and alcohol weight rather than residual sugar. Tannins are usually firm but rounded, and the finish tends to be long and warming. Bottles like this are generally approachable on release but can soften further with cellar time. Serve it at roughly 16 to 18°C, a little cooler than a warm room. Serving it too warm exaggerates the alcohol. Open the bottle an hour or two ahead, or decant it, so the aromas loosen and any sediment stays behind. A large-bowled red wine glass gives the dried fruit and spice room to develop. At the table, Amarone suits rich, savory dishes. Braised short rib, osso buco, venison, risotto with mushrooms or beef, and slow-cooked ragù all stand up to its weight. Aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano or aged Pecorino are a classic match, and a bold blue cheese can work too. Light fish and delicate salads will be overwhelmed. Because it is concentrated and strong, it also works well as a slow-sipping wine after dinner alongside cheese and nuts, with a small pour in the glass at a time.