Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017

750ml

Overview

Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017 is an exceptional wine from the Valpolicella region, located in the Veneto, Italy. Made with the classic blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, this Amarone showcases the best of the region's rich winemaking tradition. The 2017 vintage reflects the commitment to quality and a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the natural expression of the terroir and the traditional appassimento technique (drying the grapes) to shine through. The resulting wine is rich, powerful, and complex, with a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and aging potential.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: After the harvest, the grapes are carefully selected and partially dried using the appassimento technique, where the grapes are left to dry for several months in well-ventilated rooms, concentrating the sugars and flavors.
• Maceration: The wine undergoes a long maceration process with the skins to extract deep color, tannins, and concentrated flavors.
• Aging: The wine is aged in large oak barrels (botti) for around 24–30 months, allowing it to develop its full-bodied character and complexity while imparting a subtle oak influence. After aging, the wine is refined in the bottle for several months before release.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Zyme Amarone 2017 has a deep, dark ruby red color with garnet reflections, indicative of its age and concentration.
• Aroma: The nose is rich and expressive, with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and raisin. The bouquet is further enhanced by hints of dried flowers, sweet spices like cinnamon and cloves, and subtle notes of chocolate, tobacco, and leather. The complexity is striking, offering layers of depth that evolve over time.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lush, with a round texture and balanced acidity. The fruit flavors of dark cherry, dried fig, and prune are complemented by warm spices, cocoa, and a touch of earthiness. The tannins are soft but firm, providing structure and a smooth mouthfeel.
• Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with a warming sensation from the alcohol and a lingering aftertaste of dark fruit, spices, and a slight touch of balsamic sweetness.

Food Pairing

Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017 pairs beautifully with rich, flavorful dishes. It complements roasted meats such as lamb, duck, or game birds like pheasant. It also works wonderfully with hearty stews, braised meats, and aged cheeses, especially those with bold flavors like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino. For a classic pairing, enjoy it with a platter of cured meats and olives.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Serve at 18–20°C (64–68°F) to allow the wine to open up and reveal its complexity.
• Decanting: It is recommended to decant the wine for at least 30 minutes before serving, which will help it aerate and further develop its rich aromas and flavors.

Aging Potential

Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017 has an excellent aging potential of 10–20 years. As the wine matures, it will continue to evolve and soften, with its flavors becoming even more integrated and nuanced. Aging will deepen the complexity, enhancing its overall harmony and character.