96 Decanter
The Santa Sofia headquarters in the Palladian Villa Sergio at Pedemonte, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a must-see when visiting Valpolicella. The top pick from the company's extensive range is an Amarone which favours vibrancy and finesse over sheer power. Sourced from high sites in the Classico zone and aged in traditional Slavonian oak barrels, it has enticing fruit and floral complexity, and a super-refined palate with a long, toothsome finish. A dark, almost inky ruby red color with rich garnet hues. Bold yet delicate on the nose, it is redolent of ripe cherries, cassis and prunes; hints of milk chocolate, rhubarb and balsamic mentholated tobacco also come through, creating an exquisitely refined, harmonious and elegant bouquet. Tonic and juicy on the palate, it is a ripe, full-bodied wine with extremely lively tannins; an invigorating citrus note perfectly balances its high alcohol and helps make this big wine a most enjoyable drink. Amarone is made from dried grapes and is therefore a concentrated, round and powerful wine, an elixir of long life. After a few years of bottle ageing, it becomes an excellent complement for luxurious dishes such as jugged hare, roast turkey with truffles, braised beef in red wine, Amarone risotto. When savored at its peak, it pairs perfectly with ripe, pungent cheeses. A daring combination? Try it with cotechino.
