ALLEGRINI, FIERAMONTE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA

VENETO, ITALY 2016

 

Why Buy: This 100-point masterpiece — from a vintage The Wine Scholar Guild deemed “a classic,” and aged for no less than 66 months —stands at the apex of Amarone craftsmanship, and demonstrates yet again that the Allegrini family is unparalleled in its command of terroir and its ability to create wines of consummate depth, length, and integration.

What They're Saying: "Another astounding wine from Allegrini," Decanter declared, in a 100-point rave. "The most gorgeous nose ... The texture and mouthfeel are just perfect — round, enveloping, the perfect weight to give structure and body with intensity and fleshiness yet nothing is over the top or too much. ... Pure, precise, clearly defined, juicy, totally moreish. What more can you ask for?"

Our Tasting Notes: The 2016 Fieramonte Amarone impresses itself upon you instantly: a bold, complex, and utterly captivating expression. Its aromatics are as striking as they are refined: ripe dark fruits, dried herbs, and subtle spices. The tannins are silky and well-integrated, providing structure without overwhelming. The finish is not just impressively long, but also poised. A wine that not only showcases the best of Valpolicella but also pushes the boundaries of what Amarone can be.

The Specs: A blend, predominantly, of Corvina and Corvinone, with the two split equally in the mix, and with smaller percentages of Rondinella and Oseleta for softening and rounding. The grapes undergo a careful drying process (appassimento) for about 110-120 days, concentrating flavors and sugars. After a gentle pressing, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine then ages for 48 months in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by at least 18 months of bottle aging before release.

The Story: The Allegrinis’ viticultural journey began in the 16th century, but it was only in the latter half of the 20th century that the family truly ascended to the pantheon of Italian wine. Under the visionary leadership of Giovanni Allegrini in the 1970s, the estate began to challenge traditional winemaking norms, pushing the boundaries of what Valpolicella could be. Giovanni's children — Franco, Marilisa, and Walter — continued this innovative spirit, propelling Allegrini to international acclaim. The Fieramonte vineyard, from which this exceptional Amarone hails, has a particularly poignant history. Abandoned after the devastating phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century, it lay dormant for decades. In a bold move that speaks to Allegrini's forward-thinking approach, the family revived this historic plot in 1999, recognizing its potential to produce wines of unparalleled quality. Situated at an elevation of 415 meters, Fieramonte benefits from excellent sun exposure and cooling breezes, creating ideal conditions for grape maturation. The family's meticulous approach to viticulture, combined with its respect for traditional techniques and openness to change, results in wines that are both deeply rooted in Valpolicella's terroir and boldly expressive of Allegrini's unique vision.

What to Pair It With: This Amarone calls for dishes of equal distinction. Try it with a thyme-roasted leg of lamb, whose rich, herby flavors will complement the wine's depth. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside a platter of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and marvel at the way the cheese's nutty complexity harmonizes with the wine's fruit notes. For a more daring pairing, try a dessert pairing of dark chocolate and black cherry — a nod to the wine's fruit profile and Valpolicella's famed cherry orchards.

Fun Fact: The name "Fieramonte" has historical significance dating back to the 16th century. It appears in a lease contract from 1549, referring to vineyards owned by the Allegrini family in this specific area of Valpolicella, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between the family and this terroir.

Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and ship directly from the estate, to ensure that your wine will arrive with pristine provenance. Act now to secure yours!

 

 
 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer only valid in CA, FL, MA, NC, NJ, TX, and VA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, August 25th, 2024.