Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG — 2017
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Introduction
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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.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Amarone Valpolicella DOCG
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Size: 26 hectares (64.22 acres)
- Soil: Originate from alluvial plains; composed of 70% gravel, 15% silt, and 15% clay
- Elevation: 290–390 meters (951–1,280 feet)
- Exposure: South facing
- Density: 12,800 vines/hectare (5,182 vines/acre)
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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The 2017 vintage saw a succession of unforeseen weather events that caused moments of concern, starting with
the scarcity of rain that plagued Valpolicella and the surrounding area. Unlike the usual 1000-1200 mm of water
per year, 2017 closed with a total of less than 700 mm, concentrated almost exclusively towards the end of the
year. Drip irrigation made it possible to keep the vegetative state of the vineyard healthy, preventing water stress.Secondly, the spring was very mild, with higher-than-average temperatures from March until mid-April, favoring an early vegetative recovery. However, around April 20th, a sudden drop in temperatures caused a total collapse in production in the lowland areas of the region. The estate’s vineyards were not affected by the frost but still suffered from the low temperatures of the unfortunate week.
After a smooth summer, the countryside was hit by a violent hailstorm on September 2nd, resulting in a 45% loss of production. Long and painstaking work on the selection of the grapes in plateaux resulted in a high quality production, albeit very small.
In conclusion, despite the difficulties encountered throughout the year, the outcome is a vintage that is qualitatively in line with the average.
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Fermentation takes place in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of around 28°C, 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 decanting, in mid-January, the Amarone is placed in new barriques, where it resumes a very slow fermentation process that continues for a further 18 months. the total stay in barriques for the 2017 vintage was 36 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 60% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta, and 10% Croatina
- Alcohol: 16%
- TA: 6.15 g/L
- p H: 2.5 g/L
- RS: 2.5 g/L
Images
Reviews
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Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG — 2017 – Wine Enthusiast – 95 Poinst
“This Amarone gives aromas of black cherries, red cherries, and dried and fresh violets—a back-and-forth of freshness and richness that is truly exquisite. As it opens sweet and savory spices dance across the fruit with subtle hints of earth and coffee. Rich but with grace, the palate shows black plum but balances the lushness with vibrant acidity. Firm tannins from the oak will resolve in a few years.”
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Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG — 2017 – Vinous – 97 Points
'“This is dark, sultry and almost animalistic in nature, as crushed fall leaves and earth tones open the experience, giving way to masses of macerated black cherries, cedar shavings, spiced cookies and a lifting hint of camphor. It floods the palate with velvety textures while maintaining fantastic energy, as stimulating acidity adds unexpected vibrancy, and tart wild berries slowly saturate.”
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Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG — 2017 – James Suckling – 98 Points
“The malty oak is evident, yet operates as a welcome adjunct to corral and compress the swashbuckle of coffee grinds, beef bouillon, mint, leather varnish and saturated dark cherry liqueur, into a sheath of tension as much as sheer power. This may seem obvious initially, but as one works it out in the glass and across the inner gums, the multitudinous layers become evident. A wine that shape-shifts and beguiles, as much it wrestles with the senses.”
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Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG — 2017 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points
“A dark, brooding red that effortlessly marries a lovely range of kirsch, blackberry paste, dried mint and eucalyptus flavors with fine, sculpted tannins and a rich streak of minerality -- lots of smoke, fresh earth and iron. Shows concentration and power, revealing even greater detail and expression as this opens in the glass, but at the same time this is an exercise in balance and restraint.”