amarone best years

2 min read 20-12-2024

Amarone della Valpolicella, the celebrated Italian red wine, is known for its rich, complex character. But not all vintages are created equal. Understanding the best years for Amarone can significantly enhance your tasting experience and ensure you're enjoying this wine at its peak. This guide explores the top Amarone vintages, helping you navigate the world of this powerful, age-worthy wine.

A Deeper Dive into the Top Amarone Vintages

The quality of an Amarone vintage depends heavily on the weather conditions during the growing season. Factors like sunshine, rainfall, and temperature fluctuations directly impact the grapes' ripeness and the resulting wine's characteristics. Here's a breakdown of some of the most highly-regarded years:

Exceptional Vintages: The Icons of Amarone

2015: A truly exceptional year, 2015 delivered ripe, concentrated grapes. The resulting Amarones are known for their intense fruit flavors, firm tannins, and remarkable aging potential. Expect dark cherry, plum, and spice notes, with a long, lingering finish. This vintage is a sure bet for any serious Amarone collector.
2010: Another standout vintage, 2010 Amarones offer incredible elegance and complexity. These wines showcase a beautiful balance between fruit and acidity, alongside sophisticated earthy undertones. They are drinking beautifully now but also have the structure to age gracefully for many years to come.
2007: Often considered one of the greatest Amarone vintages ever, 2007 wines possess an extraordinary concentration of flavors. Expect rich dark fruit, licorice, and tobacco notes, alongside powerful tannins that are starting to soften beautifully with age. These are wines built for long-term cellaring.

Outstanding Vintages: Worth Seeking Out

2018: A more modern style Amarone, 2018 shows ripe fruit and a more approachable structure than some of the earlier vintages. This is a great vintage to discover if you’re new to Amarone.
2016: Similar in character to 2015 but perhaps slightly more approachable in its youth, 2016 Amarones deliver concentrated fruit, fine tannins, and excellent aging potential.
2004: A classic vintage that has developed a wonderful complexity over time, 2004 Amarones offer a balance of rich fruit, earthy notes, and a smooth, integrated texture. Many are drinking exceptionally well now.

Factors Influencing Amarone Quality Beyond the Vintage

While the vintage is crucial, other factors influence the overall quality of an Amarone:

Producer: Reputable producers consistently deliver high-quality Amarones, regardless of the vintage. Researching producers known for their excellence is recommended.
Cru/Subzone: Different areas within the Valpolicella region produce Amarones with slightly varied characteristics. Some subzones are known for producing richer, fuller-bodied wines than others.

How to Find the Best Amarone for You

Choosing the right Amarone depends on your personal preferences and how soon you plan to drink it.

For immediate enjoyment: Consider a more recent vintage like 2018, which offers approachable fruit and a softer tannin structure.
For cellaring: Invest in a highly-rated vintage like 2007, 2010, or 2015. These wines will reward your patience with incredible complexity as they age.

Conclusion: Your Amarone Journey Begins Now

The best Amarone vintage for you depends on your individual tastes and timeline. However, the vintages highlighted above consistently deliver exceptional quality and complexity. By understanding the nuances of different years and producers, you can embark on a rewarding journey of discovery, unlocking the full potential of this magnificent Italian wine. Remember to always research the specific producer and their reputation for consistent quality. Happy tasting!