James Suckling #1 Wine of 2024
100 Pts, James Suckling
“A vivid ruby color with a garnet tinge and super-restrained nose of licorice, oak bark, smoke, wood, cigar box, leather, dark chocolate, crushed violets and prunes. Freshness and subtlety. Full-bodied and elegant on the palate due to ripe, filigree tannins with long acidity and a toasty, savory aftertaste. One of the great Amarones. Corvina and Rondinella. Ready to drink now, but intended for the long haul.”
Bertani isn’t just another winery; it’s a legend in the Valpolicella region. Steeped in history dating back over 150 years, they’ve pioneered innovative techniques and championed the unique character of Veronese wines. From their iconic Amarones to their elegant Valpolicella Classico, Bertani crafts masterpieces that are both true to tradition and undeniably captivating.
The 2015 bottling was made from 80% Corvina Veronese and 20% Rondinella. The grapes are air-dried for 78 days, enhancing their concentration before undergoing fermentation and aging for seven years in large Slavonian oak barrels, followed by one year in bottle. This process results in a wine of great complexity and depth.
This is a complex and layered full-bodied wine with no shortage of aromas and flavors. It’s an intense ruby color with black cherry, plum and dried fruit, mixed with some cinnamon, clove and red licorice. It’s so velvety in texture with bright acidity and long savory notes – but this is just one phase in the life of what will be a treasure decade after decade