Pra Amarone della Valpollicella 'Morandina' 2016

"Amarone della Valpolicella is made from the traditional indigenous red varieties (Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta). The grapes are air-dried on mats in a controlled environment for about 2 months, then fermented. After fermentation the wine is aged in barriques and tonneaux for 2 years, then assembled and aged for a further year in large (2,000L) barrels. The result shows the classic dried fruit/dried flower Amarone character, with notes of dried cherry and plum; the residual sweetness is around 8 grams per liter, low for the type, and around 16.5 % alcohol by volume; a special yeast is used for fermentation that can tolerate high levels of alcohol. Surprisingly given these numbers the wine is still relatively elegant; Amarone is a classic ‘vino da meditazione,’ drunk by itself or with aged cheeses, but brave souls will also pair it with classic steakhouse meat dishes like grilled ribeye or lamb chops."