Увага! На сайті використовуються cookie файли.
The site uses cookie files
Даний сайт має вікове обмеження.
This site has age restrictions!
Я підтверджую, що мені, на жаль, давно виповнилося 18 років
This year’s Amarone Opera Prima 2025 coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Valpolicella Consortium and was marked by grand tastings – a virtual journey through the world’s finest restaurants and a historic tasting of record-aged wines – along with elegant evening parties, a Michelin-starred lunch, and a gala dinner featuring 191 wines on the astonishing wine list.
From January 31 to February 2, Verona hosted this prestigious Amarone premiere, showcasing nearly 80 of Valpolicella’s leading wineries. More than 100 journalists from top wine media across 26 countries and every continent arrived for the event. For Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards, it was an honor to be invited to such an outstanding wine occasion.
Naturally, the highlight of the event was the grand unveiling of the Amarone 2020 vintage. Unlike previous years, the tasting was blind, with the list of participating wineries only revealed after the session. Organizers provided journalists and invited partners with a calm, professional setting – free from external commentary – to explore the Amarone offerings from 77 wineries. Of these, 33 came from the Classico zone, 39 from extended areas, and 5 from the Valpantena subzone.
While the extensive tasting session unfolded, stretching over several hours due to the sheer number of samples and participants, a press conference was held for journalists and wine market professionals. Speakers included the Minister of Agriculture, industry leaders, and, of course, Christian Marchesini, President of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium. Meanwhile, on another floor of the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, where Amarone Opera Prima reigned supreme, a grand walk-around tasting was taking place. Here, in addition to the newly released vintage, guests could explore other Amarone vintages and Valpolicella wines while engaging directly with the producers. This was precisely what Drinks+and WTA journalists did: discussing the natural conditions and key factors that shaped the much-anticipated Amarone 2020.
Now, let’s talk about the main protagonist of the event – the Amarone 2020 vintage. Its creation unfolded under rather unusual circumstances. It was the peak of the pandemic, and Valpolicella’s vineyards basked in an eerie silence, undisturbed and pristine in every sense. The first half of the growing season was rather favorable for winemakers, with an extended flowering period lasting into May. However, summer brought a fair share of concerns. Several weeks of extreme heat were followed by prolonged rains. These dramatic weather swings – some observers compared them to a rollercoaster – accelerated grape ripening across all Valpolicella zones. As a result, harvest began earlier than usual, both along the shores of Lake Garda and in the valleys of Valpantena, Fumane, and beyond.
As a result, the 2020 harvest demonstrates outstanding characteristics and remarkably uniform ripening, despite the diverse landscape of the Valpolicella region. The sugar concentration in the grapes across all territories and microzones was nearly perfect, which is an essential factor for the success of Amarone della Valpolicella’s signature appassimento process. Interestingly, I was somewhat surprised by a comment from Andrea Lonardi MW, Vice President of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium. He noted that while appassimento has long been the defining technique behind Amarone, the Consortium now sees it as a double-edged sword. There is a growing consensus that Amarone should be increasingly recognized as a world-class fine wine, with a stronger focus on the region’s unique terroir rather than just the technical aspects of its production.
Wine journalists attending Amarone Opera Prima 2025 witnessed firsthand that, thanks to favorable weather conditions – and despite variations in microclimate, soil, altitude, and winemaking styles – the showcased vintage maintained a remarkable consistency in quality. Perfectly ripened grapes contributed to the development of red fruit aromas and even floral notes, not only in wines from Valpantena and Fumane (where this profile should be expected), but also in samples from other areas. Additionally, many Amarone 2020 wines exhibited complex flavor profiles reminiscent of top-tier fine wines, featuring notes of licorice, fig, balsamic herbs, and chocolate.
Another striking characteristic of the 2020 vintage was its unexpected drinkability. For a wine as noble as Amarone, five years is still considered young, yet most samples demonstrated an unusual approachability and a refined lightness that aligns with the evolving modern style and consumer preferences. Importantly, this evolution does not come at the expense of the signature depth and intensity that Amarone connoisseurs seek. In conclusion, the 2020 vintage arrives as a true gift for the 100th anniversary of one of Italy’s most esteemed wine organizations — the Valpolicella Wine Consortium. It is a dazzling addition to the century-old collection that Amarone producers have meticulously built over time.
By the way, Valpolicella has been nominated for Region of the Year in the Wine Travel Awards. We encourage you to visit the awards website and cast your vote for this remarkable winemaking region and its outstanding producers!
As a spectacular conclusion to this remarkable wine show, we invite you to watch a video featuring a special commentary from one of the participants of Amarone della Valpolicella — co-owner of the Fasoli Gino winery. This esteemed estate, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is a proud nominee for the Wine Travel Awards.
Show your support and cast your vote!
Fasoli Gino – a refined, soft, and beautifully rounded Amarone that unfolds with a rich spectrum of dark fruit aromas, intertwined with a medley of fragrant herbs. As it evolves in the glass, subtle notes of barnyard and fine leather emerge, adding depth and intrigue.
Secondo Marco – the first nose offers a stunning interplay of tar and rose, gradually revealing layers of dried berries – blackcurrant, cherry – followed by sage and even a hint of night violet. As the wine opens up, mature notes of leather and tobacco leaf make a final, elegant appearance. On the palate, it is powerful and juicy, displaying perfect acidity and a structure that delivers pure pleasure.
Zýmē – a luxurious expression of Amarone with an unforgettable profile of blackberries and blackcurrants, gently accented by vanilla. Its bold character is unmistakable, while vibrant tannins hint at an outstanding aging potential.
Villa Bertani – another remarkable nominee for the Wine Travel Awards, this wine boasts an intriguing aromatic spectrum. Ripe cherries and mineral notes transition seamlessly into a kaleidoscope of chocolate, tobacco, and dried fruits. A highly elegant Amarone with a masculine edge, yet a rounded body and a long, fresh finish.
⇒ Join our social networks ⇒ Optimistic D+ editors will take this as a compliment.
⇒ Every like is taken as a toast!
13.03.2025
10.03.2025
