Viniou Reviews
Maso Maroni’s 2014 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG exemplifies the grandeur and complexity typical of this iconic Veneto red. Crafted predominantly from native grape varieties—Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara—the grapes are rigorously selected and then partially dried using the appassimento process. This traditional method, intrinsic to Amarone, concentrates sugars and flavours, resulting in a powerful, velvety, and deeply expressive wine. The 2014 vintage, characterised by cooler and wetter conditions than usual, provides added freshness and elegance, balancing the wine’s rich, dried fruit and balsamic character. The long ageing in oak further integrates notes of cocoa, spice, and tobacco, rounding out its dense structure and silky tannins.
The Valpolicella region, nestled in the foothills north of Verona, enjoys a unique microclimate shaped by the sheltering Lessini mountains and the moderating influence of Lake Garda. The stony, well-draining soils rich in limestone and clay encourage concentration and aromatic lift in the wines. Historically, Valpolicella has long been a centrepiece of Italian winemaking, with references to its celebrated wines stretching back to Roman times. Amarone, now the flagship of the region, is respected worldwide for its intensity and its seamless harmony of power and finesse.
Amarone’s opulence makes it a true wine for the table, where it shines alongside robust fare. Pair Maso Maroni 2014 with classic Venetian dishes such as brasato all’Amarone (beef braised in Amarone), risotto all’Amarone, or aged cheeses like Monte Veronese. It also complements game, roasted lamb, or rich pasta with wild mushrooms. For a more international palate, consider slow-cooked beef stews or blue cheese.
Serve this Amarone slightly below room temperature, ideally at 17-18°C, to coax out its layered aromas and preserve freshness. Decanting for at least one hour before enjoying will encourage the wine’s depth and aromatic evolution, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.
