Amarone della Valpolicella DOC – 2009
-
Introduction
-
The Dal Forno family has been making wine since 1983. Located in Val D’Illasi, the estate consists of 65 acres of vines planted to traditional indigenous varieties of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina. The estate vineyards and farm are located where the slopes begin to rise toward the mountains and sit 1,000 feet above sea level. The loose, alluvial soils, meticulous pruning and scrupulous viticultural techniques ensure remarkable-quality grapes. The Dal Fornos use traditional methods to grow the finest fruit, and then employ modern techniques to produce the best wines — classic in expression and modern in purity.
-
-
Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Amarone Della Valpolicella DOC
- Soil: 70% gravel,15% silt and 15% clay
- Elevation: 50-250 meters (251-820 feet)
- Exposure: South facing
-
Vinification
-
The finest bunches of grapes are selected, after which a meticulous manual control is carried out to eliminate all grapes that do not meet the standards required. The selected grapes are then placed in plastic plateaux and are then left to rest for 90 days in large open rooms, where an innovative ventilation system helps maintain an elevated and thorough air flow.
- Fermentation: Fermentation takes place in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of around 28°, which are equipped with a sophisticated computerized system which allows for automated punching for a period of around 15 days, including the final maceration which takes two days.
- Aging: After decantation in the middle of January, the Amarone, which still contains some residual sugar, is placed into new barriques, where it begins a slow fermentation process which will last for a further 18 months. The total amount of time that it remains in the barriques is 36 months.
-
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 60% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 10% Croatina, 10% Oseleta
- Alcohol: 16.5%
- RS: 7.9 g/L
-
Tasting Notes
-
Subtle aromatic hints, that range from black cherry, blueberry to chocolate, anticipate the opulent expression of mature fruit that flows into the mouth with inadvertent persistence. Nuances of truffle, tobacco and new leather wrap around the finish.
-
Images
Reviews
-
Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – 2009 – The Wine Advocate – 99 Points
I found this monumental wine to be irresistible when I first tasted it five years ago, and I consider it to have improved since then. This is one of the most complete and comprehensive vintages produced at Dal Forno, and it gives us an ample 360-degree view onto the might, brawn and potential of this icon wine from the Veneto. Its evolutionary track shows no sign of slowing down.
-
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – 2009 – 93 points – Wine & Spirits
“... Intense flavors roll out in waves of soft black fruit, dried tomato, charred meat and tobacco. … a luscious texture and rich tones of dark chocolate, anise and cardamom...”
-
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – 2009 – 97 points – The Wine Advocate
“I'm not sure how anyone can resist a wine like the 2009 Amarone della Valpolicellla … The decadent and layered bouquet offers slow pulses of black fruit, tar, teriyaki, mesquite and prune. The wine wraps like a thick blanket over the palate ...”
-
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – 2009 – 95 points – Vinous
“… one of the most sexy, open-knit young Dal Forno Amarones I can remember tasting. An enticing mélange of mocha, black cherry, bittersweet chocolate and leather captivates the senses ...”