Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180

An Amarone that shows why Valpolicella is one of Italy's great red wine regions: dense, velvety, and with the characteristic depth of the appassimento method.

Tedeschi has been based in Pedemonte since the 17th century and is one of the most traditional houses in Valpolicella. Behind the name Marne 180 is the local limestone soil – marne – which gives the wine its mineral tension. The grapes for this Amarone are dried on bamboo racks for several months after harvest (appassimento) before they are fermented and subsequently aged for three years in Slavonian oak.

In the glass, a bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberry, and blueberries opens up, flanked by vanilla and a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, powerful and yet remarkably velvety – the tannins are firm but completely integrated. Long, warm finish with a hint of dried plums and tobacco.

The 2019 vintage was awarded 97 points (Platinum) by Decanter, and the Wine Hunter Award gave it Gold.

• Food: Braised beef, game ragù, mature Parmigiano, or dark bitter chocolate
• Drinking temperature: 17–18 °C, preferably decant an hour beforehand