Viniou Reviews
The Montresor Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2009 is a remarkable wine hailing from the heart of the Valpolicella region in the Veneto, northern Italy. Amarone is traditionally made from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, primarily Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, although the label does not specify the precise blend. These grapes are hand-harvested and then dried over several months in a process known as appassimento, which concentrates their sugars and flavours before fermentation. The 2009 vintage benefits from extended bottle ageing, developing layers of complexity and elegance. Typically, Amarone presents a powerful, full-bodied profile, enriched with notes of dried cherry, ripe plum, fig, leather, spices, and an underlying hint of cocoa or tobacco, with velvety tannins and a long, persistent finish.
The Veneto region, where Amarone finds its soul, features a varied landscape of rolling hills, limestone-rich soils, and a temperate climate influenced by the nearby Lake Garda and the foothills of the Alps. This unique combination of sun, cooling breezes, and mineral-rich earth produces grapes with a perfect balance of ripeness and acidity. Valpolicella, historically renowned for its wine production since Roman times, is now synonymous with quality reds, and Amarone is its undisputed icon, representing both tradition and innovation within Italian viticulture.
Given the wine’s depth and intensity, it pairs exceptionally well with robust, flavourful dishes. Classic matches include braised beef cheek, osso buco, game meats such as venison, or slow-cooked lamb shank. Hard, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino enhance the wine’s complexity. For an authentic regional experience, try it alongside risotto all’Amarone, a decadent rice dish cooked with the same wine, or rich polenta-based dishes typical of Veneto cuisine.
To best appreciate the structure and aromatic breadth of Montresor’s Amarone 2009, decant the wine at least an hour before serving. Pour at a temperature of 17-18°C, allowing the wine to fully reveal its mature, nuanced profile, and savour each evolving layer as it opens in the glass.
