Tanuta Chiccheri Valpolicella Amarone 2001 - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Valpolicella - red wine of Veneto region in north east Italy. The Valpolicella Superiore , has an alcoholic strength of at least 12% & an ageing period of 1 yr, is of higher quality when compare to the regular ones of 11% a.b.v. & no ageing requirement.

Grape varieties:

1) Corvina - is generally considered the grape with the most personality in the blend

2) Molinara - high acidity, contribute little character

3) Rondinella - Neutral, contribute little character

Amarone - Dry dried grape wines, made from selected superior whole bunched which are dried or raisined in special drying lodges or chambers. Grapes are spread out on mats or wickerwork shelving. Length of drying period varies from producer to producer. Once being popular with botrytized character during 70's & 80's. Some producers now tend to produce a fresher, fruitier wine without the oxidized flavours which once characterized the wine. After drying process, grapes are pressed & fermented DRY & aged in casks or barrels. It is very common to see finished wines of alcohol as high as 15%, & usually be released until 5 yrs after the vintage (which is not an obligation).