Guerrieri Rizzardi Calcarole Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva 2016 Wine (75cl)

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Calcarole Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva is a single-vineyard Amarone of remarkable concentration, purity, and finesse, crafted exclusively from grapes grown on the steep, rocky terraces of the Calcarole vineyard. The south to south-west exposure and limestone-rich soils create ideal ripening conditions, yielding fruit of exceptional intensity and balance.

Meet the Producer

Produced with meticulous care and respect for terroir, Calcarole represents the pinnacle of Amarone craftsmanship. The estate’s philosophy is centred on precision viticulture, manual selection, and a deep commitment to expressing the vineyard’s natural character through minimal intervention winemaking.

Production

The 5-hectare Calcarole vineyard lies on limestone bedrock covered by a shallow, clay-sandy topsoil that enhances water retention and imparts minerality. Vines are trained using the simple Guyot system at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare, grafted onto 41B and SO4 rootstocks. Grapes are hand-selected from mature, loosely packed bunches to ensure optimal drying potential.

The Blend

comprises Corvina, Rondinella, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Corvinone. Grapes are dried naturally for three months in traditional fruttaio rooms before gentle crushing. A slow, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel follows, with malolactic fermentation taking place in oak. The wine then matures in 225-litre French oak barriques and larger oak casks before bottling.

Tasting Notes

This Amarone opens with alluring aromas of ripe black cherry, dried plum, and violet, intertwined with notes of cocoa, sweet spice, and tobacco. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet refined, offering layers of dark fruit, liquorice, and balsamic richness framed by polished tannins and a lingering mineral edge. Despite its depth and concentration, the wine maintains freshness and poise, with a long, harmonious finish that showcases its superb balance and elegance. Food match Perfect with roast venison, d