Buglioni Cru Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG

Key characteristics:

Buglioni Cru Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG is a testament to meticulous winemaking, representing a careful selection of grapes from a specific, exceptional vineyard within the heart of Valpolicella Classico. This “Cru” designation signifies its unique terroir and distinguishes it as an expression of the region’s finest qualities. Crafted by Buglioni, a pioneering winery dedicated to preserving the authentic character of indigenous varieties and the Valpolicella terroir, this Amarone Riserva undergoes a prolonged maturation process, ensuring complexity, depth, and a truly memorable experience. Produced only in the best years, it embodies the winery’s commitment to high-quality, distinctive wines.

Tasting Notes:

• Variety: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina
• Appearance: Deep ruby color with alluring garnet reflections.
• Aroma: Exquisite and intense aromas of spices, ripe dark fruits, plums, and blueberries, gracefully interwoven with sophisticated undertones of vanilla, tobacco, cocoa, and a hint of licorice.
• Taste: A warm, enveloping, and powerful palate, showcasing impressive concentration of dark cherries and juicy fruit. It is velvety and harmonious, with a balanced, harmonious acidity and smooth, refined tannins that lead to a sustained, elegant, and long-lasting finish.
• Region: Hailing from the prestigious Valpolicella Classico region in Italy, specifically from a single vineyard in San Pietro in Cariano (Verona). The vineyards are located in the hilly area east of Lake Garda, encompassing prime sites on the Sant’Ambrogio plateau and in the San Pietro valley, characterized by dark, clayey soils with a high content of gravel.
• Pairing: It goes exceptionally well with traditional braised meats, game, and grilled meat. For an adventurous pairing, try it with raw fish and shellfish, such as BBQ duck or swordfish tartare. In oriental cuisine, it is ideal with lacquered pork and Peking duck. It also complements beef short ribs, osso buco, lamb shanks, blue cheeses, and chocolates.

Overall impression:

This Buglioni Cru Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva is a wine of profound elegance and structure, offering a complex sensory journey from its aromatic bouquet to its enduring finish. It is a powerful yet balanced expression of Valpolicella’s terroir, designed to captivate and impress.

Extra notes:

• The “Cru” designation for this Amarone highlights its origin from a single, carefully selected vineyard, a concept akin to the renowned French “cru” classification, emphasizing its unique soil and climate characteristics.
• Buglioni winery, founded in 1993, is certified organic and is recognized for its forward-thinking approach to winemaking in Valpolicella, emphasizing indigenous varieties and a deep understanding of terroir.
• The grapes undergo the traditional *appassimento* process, where they are air-dried until January, concentrating their sugars and flavors to create this distinctive and rich Amarone.
• This wine has received critical acclaim, with some vintages earning 91 points from Falstaff. One of Buglioni’s Amarone Riservas was notably recognized as the best aged wine in Italy in a tasting of 17 wines.