Luciano Arduini Simison Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017

Cellar for up to 15-20 years. It is recommended to decant the wine 1 or 2 hours before service. The Arduini winery has a long experience in the wine sector. Its origins date back to the 40s, when grandfather Gabriele started the business in Marano Valpolicella. The wine production then expanded thanks to his three sons, Battista, Alfredo, and Turiddo, who collaborated for a long time. Luciano, the current owner, has continued in the innovative footsteps of his father Battista. In 2002, the Arduini company took a big step forward in terms of quality, modernizing the cellar and moving from the sale of bulk products to marketing under its own brand. The wine is obtained from a blend of traditional grapes, Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta, from 45-year-old vineyards. The grapes, harvested by hand, are then left to dry until about mid-January. The wine is then stored for 24 months partly in French oak barriques and partly in American ones. The wine shows a vibrant fruity note, and a solid tannic backbone, but with a perfectly harmonious taste and a softness that lingers over the long term. The first hints that reach the nose are oak, mint, lemon, and elderberry, but the aromas of black berries are also impressive (blackberries more than others) along with charming sweet spices. This is a wine with a unique character and a sumptuous texture. It is excellent with game, red meats, roasts, and aged cheeses.

Price: £37.01 from 8wines UK