Viniou Reviews
Tenuta Sant’Antonio’s Campo dei Gigli 2017 is an exceptional Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG that reflects the craftsmanship and terroir-driven approach of one of the Veneto region’s benchmark producers. Made predominantly from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and often a touch of Oseleta, the grapes are carefully hand-harvested and then subjected to the appassimento process—drying for several months to concentrate sugars and flavours. The 2017 vintage showcases intense depth due to a warm, structured year, with the wine matured extensively in French oak, resulting in a richly layered bouquet of ripe black cherry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, spices, and hints of leather and tobacco. The palate is full-bodied, velvety, and opulent, supported by impressive tannins and a lingering, balanced finish.
The Valpolicella region, nestled between Lake Garda and the foothills of the Lessini Mountains, benefits from a mosaic of soils—calcareous, clay, and volcanic—which contribute great complexity to the wines. The climate is characterised by warm summers tempered by cool breezes from the lake, allowing slow, even ripening and preserving vibrancy in the grapes. Amarone’s history is intertwined with the local tradition of grape drying, a method that imparts iconic intensity and longevity to the wines. This heritage, combined with the unique terroir, places Valpolicella among Italy’s most celebrated red wine regions.
Campo dei Gigli’s powerful structure and expressive flavours pair beautifully with equally robust cuisine. Classic Venetian dishes such as braised beef cheeks, osso buco, or aged Monte Veronese cheese are perfect partners. Try it with rich game, wild boar stew, or mushroom risotto for further harmony. Modern pairings could include dark chocolate or grilled mushrooms to highlight the wine’s deeper notes.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least two hours before serving to fully open its aromatic profile. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C. This Amarone is built for grandeur and can age gracefully for well over a decade, rewarding the patient collector with even greater complexity.
