Amarone is a special red wine from Italy. Why is Amarone (ah ma rho nay) so special? It is made from Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella grapes from the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Once the grapes are picked from the vine, a portion of them are laid to rest on straw mats for three to four months in a well-ventilated room. This concentrates the flavor of the grapes, lending to the big bold flavors of Amarone. The higher concentration of flavor is also reflected in the sugar content which makes it a higher alcohol yield (approx 15-17%).

So what's it taste like? Amarone is powerful, intense, and has a stunning complexity of vibrant flavors. It is a deep rich crimson color. The depth of color is another attribute that is attained through the drying process. The longer the skins remain in contact with the grape, the more concentrated the color.

The intense flavors and high alcohol make it a heavy bodied yet well balanced wine. It is packed with rich flavors of raspberry, blackberry, with slight hints of almond and chocolate flavors. The unique straw-mat drying method also affects the tannins (a compound found in grape skins). With its high tannins, Amarone has a long beautiful velvety finish.

Generally, five years is considered an average age time for Amarone. However, whether you consume it young or old, this wine requires breathing to allow the complex flavors to open up. It is best to decant an Amarone for at least an hour before serving. Typically most wine drinkers serve red wines at room temperature, which is not exactly correct. Red wines should be served closer to 60 degrees. A great idea is to place the wine decanter in the refrigerator for approximately 20-30 minutes prior to serving. This will give it a slight chill and the Amarone should be perfect.