Mini-Vertical of Allegrini Amarones

The Allegrini family has been making excellent wines in the Veneto for more than a century, but their winery – under the helm of Marilisa Allegrini and her brother Franco – makes some of its most formidable wines today. What impresses James most about the Allegrini Amarones is their balance of fabulous fruit and bright acidity. There’s nothing overdone with the wines. They always impress with their structure and drinkability.

Contrary to people’s perception of Amarones being deep and powerful like Port, the wines of Allegrini also have elegance and finesse, which the winemaker Franco underlines in wine style. The 2008 vintage, in particular, is one of the highest rated Amarones by James. Its 2011 vintage is another great red, and is also available for tasting this week at our Great Wines of Italy event in New York (Feb. 23), Los Angeles (Feb. 25) and San Francisco (Feb. 28). Be sure to try it out at the tasting.

In addition to Amarones, the winery’s super Veronese blend Palazzo della Torre is one of the best values in outstanding reds from Italy. It’s a blend of mostly the corvina grape with rondinella and sangiovese.

You can watch James’ interview with owner Franco Allegrini to understand more about the style of Amarones. 

Below are five Amarones tasted by James from the 2007 vintage to 2011, arranged by scores. Click on the wine names below to see James’ tasting notes and scores.

Allegrini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 

Allegrini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009

Allegrini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007

Allegrini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2010 

Allegrini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2011