2006 'CATERINA ZARDINI' AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA - SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE

Amarone della Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most legendary wines. Made from grapes that have been deliberately raisined, thereby concentrating tannin and sugar, and fermented to over 15% ABV (sometimes approaching 18% ABV), Amarone is not a shy or retiring customer.

This particular example from Caterina Zardini is a typically hefty Amarone, displaying liqueur cherry and dark chocolate in abundance. With a noticeable residual sugar (notwithstanding its 15.5% ABV), it is akin to an unfortified vintage Port and probably best enjoyed in a similar food context, that is, with a selection of cheeses at the end of a meal.

Although this is a big wine in all senses of the word, it is seamless, smooth and well balanced. While there is little to complain about, this particular imbiber prefers to see Amarone with a touch of bitterness rather than the residual sugar that one encounters here. That said, the wine would please many of a hedonistic persuasion.

2006 ‘CATERINA ZARDINI' AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
Producer: Giuseppe Campagnola
Variety: Corvina et al
Vintage: 2006
Region: Veneto, Italy
ABV: 15.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 10 March 2013

Tasting Note:
Deep crimson to the rim. Brooding nose of liqueur cherry, dark chocolate, mocha. Slightly off-dry, rich and full bodied, high in alcohol, yet well balanced, the bouquet flows through to the palate, high quality dark chocolate overlaid by cherry liqueur and damsons, cocoa powder. Opulent and powerful yet seamless. A well made and well balanced Amarone, but lacking the complexity and bitterness that would make the wine more interesting.
Score: 16/20