Wines Amarone della Valpolicella Tedeschi - Montolmi - 2013

Viniou Reviews

This 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG by Tedeschi, Cuvée Montolmi, is a benchmark in the world of Italian reds. Typical of Amarone, this wine is produced from classic Valpolicella grape varieties—predominantly Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella—harvested late and dried on racks in the traditional “appassimento” method, which concentrates sugars and flavours. The 2013 vintage is recognised for balanced ripening, leading to wines of great depth and elegance. Expect complex aromas of dried cherries, figs, plum, chocolate, and sweet spices, evolving into tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor over time. On the palate, this Amarone is full-bodied, rich, and velvety, with a powerful yet harmonious structure and a lingering bittersweet finish.

Veneto, and specifically the Valpolicella area north of Verona, is world-renowned for its unique winemaking heritage. The region benefits from a moderate continental climate, with cooling breezes from Lake Garda and the Lessini Mountains, creating ideal conditions for grape growing and drying. Soils are a mix of limestone, clay, and volcanic origins, encouraging freshness and complexity in the wines. Amarone has a noble history, originally crafted when unfermented sweet wines underwent full fermentation, yielding this dry but opulent style that quickly became a symbol of Venetian excellence.

Given its intensity, Amarone della Valpolicella pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. Traditional matches from the region include braised beef cheek (brasato all’Amarone), wild game, and mature cheeses such as Monte Veronese. Its dried fruit and spice notes also complement duck breast, roast lamb, or mushroom-based risottos. For a rustic touch, try it with polenta topped with rich meat sauces.

For optimal appreciation, serve this wine at 18-20°C. Decanting is highly recommended, especially for mature vintages like 2013, to allow the bouquet and mouthfeel to fully unfold. Enjoy slowly to savour its remarkable evolution in the glass.