Amarone Riserva Classico

Amarone Riserva Classico is a red wine from Esplanda, listed under Italian reds with Massachusetts as its stated appellation. The name borrows the vocabulary of Italy's Valpolicella tradition, and the listing gives no grape blend, vintage, ABV or aging details. Treat the tasting notes below as what the style usually delivers, not as measured facts about this bottle. Amarone is traditionally made from partially dried grapes, which concentrates sugar and flavor before fermentation. Wines in this style typically show dark cherry, plum and raisined fruit, with notes of cocoa, dried herbs, tobacco or baking spice. Expect a full body, firm structure and a long finish. They are usually fermented close to dry, so the richness comes from fruit concentration, not obvious sweetness. They also tend toward high alcohol, which gives a warming impression, so check the label for the exact ABV. This is a wine to sit down with, not a casual pour. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 16 to 18°C (60 to 65°F). Pulling it from a warm room into a cooler spot for 20 to 30 minutes helps keep the alcohol from dominating. Open it an hour or two ahead, or decant it, so the aromas can loosen. A large-bowled red wine glass suits it, and a small pour goes a long way. At the table, wines like this suit dishes with weight and savory depth. Braised short ribs, osso buco, venison, mushroom risotto and aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Gouda all match its intensity. Lean or delicate dishes will be overpowered. It also works after the meal beside a cheese board, in the same role a fortified wine might play, without being treated as a cocktail ingredient.