Amarone della Valpolicella DOC – 2008
-
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: 6.1 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 – 2008 – The Wine Advocate – 96 Points
The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta marks a return to a slightly cooler vintage with a longer growing season slowed down during the summer's moderate temperatures. Indeed, harvest was wrapped up during the first days of November. The tannins are firm and nicely integrated into the wine's thick, fleshy consistency. This vintage is characterized by a very elegant and graceful approach, which must be taken into context given the enormity of a wine of this caliber. Happily, there is no doubt that this vintage should still evolve steadily over time.
-
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – 2008 – 95 points – The Wine Advocate
“… unique aromatic intensity and versatility that spans from blackberry syrup and candied prune to chewing tobacco, black peppercorn and rain-soaked asphalt. … Ultimately, this wine promises a graceful, steady and long evolution.”
-
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – 2008 – 98 points – Vinous
“…a myriad of intense dark aromas and flavors. Bittersweet chocolate, cloves, violets, plums and blackberry jam cover every inch of the palate in a stunning, headspinning Amarone that captures all of the best qualities of the year...”
-
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – 2008 – 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
“… conveys aromas of Asian spice, prune, raisin, black pepper and espresso. The concentrated, thick palate delivers black plum, raisin, blueberry extract and crème brûlée alongside smooth tannins and soft acidity … wine that inspires meditation.”