Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2011
(Veneto, Italy) - [JS 97] [DM 94] [WS 92]

About the Winery:

Bertani’s impact on Veneto wine making, particularly in Amarone production, is so considerable that ‘Bertani’ and ‘Amarone’ are nearly synonymous. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of their past, Bertani strives towards innovation, using progressive techniques and equipment allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for tradition to provide wines of uncompromising quality.

About the Wine:

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

The grapes come from the Tenuta Novare vineyards at Arbizzano di Negrar, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica area. Their 550 acre vineyards are covered with calcareous-marl soils and are devoted exclusively to the production of Amarone. The vines are vertical-trellised and Guyot trained, with a planting density of 2,025 vines per acre.

Winemaking & Ageing:

After careful bunch selection, the grapes are taken to drying lofts and laid in a single layer on arèle -- bamboo racks. They remain here for about 120 days, losing up to 60% of their water content. In mid-January the grapes are destemmed and crushed. Maceration at 40°F for about 20 days, then a slow fermentation starts – about 30 days in concrete vats at a maximum temperature of 64°F.

The wine was aged in large Slavonian oak barrels, with an average capacity of 60 hl, for about seven years, followed by bottle maturation for at least 12 months.

Tasting Notes:

A complex nose of dried cherry accented by walnuts and coffee which lead to wild herb, spices and a floral note. A full-bodied palate with intense fruit, well-balanced with firm tannins which lead to a long, lingering finish. This pairs well with red meat, game, mature cheeses, but it is also perfect as a meditation wine at the end of a meal.

Technical Data:

GRAPE VARIETIES: 80% Corvina Veronese; 20% Rondinella

WINEMAKERS: Andrea Lonardi

Alcohol: 15.4%

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - James Suckling:
"Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. It’s very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold." (Aug 2019)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. The 2011 vintage was challenging, with a warm and rainy summer, but overall it was very good – Bertani isn’t averse to skipping a vintage if it’s not at the top level. Bright garnet in the glass, this is dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. The fresh character is intense, with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with slightly rustic tannins yet outstanding balance between suppleness and structure." - Aldo Fiordelli (Sep 2022)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with a range of black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031. 8,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported." - AN (Dec 2022)