Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Blacklabel

Amarone is not an everyday wine — it is made from dried grapes that lose water for months on straw mats or wooden racks after the harvest before they are fermented. The result is a red wine with enormous density, deep dark color, and an alcohol content that rarely falls below 15%. The Blacklabel from Pasqua shows exactly this style: concentrated, warm, with long persistence.

Pasqua is a large family winery from Verona that has been producing wines from the Veneto since 1925. The grapes for this Amarone come from the Valpolicella, the classic growing area north of Verona, where Corvina — the lead grape variety of Amarone — grows on calcareous soils on hillsides.

In the glass, an aroma profile of Amarena cherry, dried plum, and dried fig opens up, underpinned by dark chocolate, tobacco, and mocha. On the palate, a powerful structure carries the concentrated fruit without it feeling heavy — cocoa and fine roasted aromas give the wine depth. The finish is long, with spice notes and ripe forest berries.

Best served at 16–18 °C, ideally decanted an hour beforehand. Pairs with braised beef, game ragù over pappardelle, or strong hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano.