2009 Dal Forno Amarone Della Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

ABOUT THE WINE
Crafted from a meticulous selection of Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina, and Oseleta grapes, the 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella is a masterclass in precision and power. Grapes are hand-harvested and then dried for approximately 90 days using advanced drying rooms that ensure optimal conditions and minimal botrytis. This appassimento process concentrates sugars, acids, and phenolics, setting the stage for the wine’s depth and longevity.

Fermentation occurs over several weeks in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by extended aging—typically around 24 months in new French oak barriques and additional time in bottle before release. The 2009 vintage was marked by a warm, stable growing season, producing Amarone with richness and early accessibility without compromising cellar potential.

The result is a wine of extraordinary concentration and detail—black plum, dried raspberry, molasses, graphite, and wild herbs mingle with a touch of smokiness from the oak. Its structure is formidable, yet every element is in balance. This wine pairs beautifully with braised short ribs, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, or rich game dishes, though it is also a meditative experience on its own.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Dal Forno Romano stands as one of the most revered names in Valpolicella, known for elevating Amarone to new heights through a philosophy rooted in obsessive quality control and technological innovation. Founded by Romano Dal Forno in the early 1980s, the estate is located in the eastern part of Valpolicella, near Illasi, an area known for producing more structured wines.

Romano’s dedication to low yields, rigorous grape selection (often only 30% of total harvest makes it into the final wine), and advanced drying techniques have redefined the style of Amarone—more powerful, more precise, and with near-limitless aging potential. The vineyards are sustainably farmed, and every step of vinification is guided by a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Dal Forno wines are made in extremely limited quantities and released only when they meet the family’s exacting standards. Their Amarone is not merely a wine—it is an icon of craftsmanship and intensity, representing the apex of what Valpolicella can achieve in the hands of a visionary.