2018 Pietro Zardini 'Pietro Junior' Amarone della Valpolicella

Pietro Zardini Winery is the result of a continuous evolution with deep roots in Valpolicella. Its origins date back to the beginning of the 17th Century with Leonardo Zardini, a wine producer in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico.

Zardini is an award-winning estate that is currently run by the 5th generation vigneron, Pietro Zardini. Zardini is on the cutting-edge winemaking practices, he uses 16 amphoras throughout the winery to create a one-of-a-kind Amarone. 

The world loves Amarone, and so do some of the most important wine critics in the world. Robert Parker once said: “One wine that shines particularly bright in the Veneto is the mighty Amarone, where it is king”.

This red blend from the Veneto region is one of the most unique and sour-after wine styles in the entire world. The process to produce this wine is complicated and delicate, which makes it a wine with an impressive reputation. Amarone grapes are harvested early because they will lose acid during the 100-120 day drying period. The grapes are dehydrated after being harvested, to later be fermented, and this is reflected in powerful, deep, and luscious wines! And just like James Suckling stated: "Amarone is a wine to drink with a lot of contemplation."  

Fun fact: The first Amarone was bottled in 1950 and was recognized as a DOCG only in 2010.

Aging: Oak barrels and barriques for 3 years

70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara. Amarone is exaltation of the senses. Intense ruby red-colored, on the nose it’s warm and ripe. Enticing notes evolve in the mouth, reminiscent of cherries, plums, jams, and fruit in alcohol. It’s a dry, smooth, and full-bodied wine; because of its rich extract and high alcohol level, it gives a seductive illusion of sweetness.

The nose is fruity and offers a small intensity, a slightly tight grain, a certain deepness. It reveals notes of wild cassis, small wild blackberries, small notes of black plum associated with small touches of violet plum, wild raspberry, and nutmeg as well as fine hints of tonka bean, cherry blossom, bergamot, sweet spices, cardamom, and an imperceptible hint of a sense of the place (local biotope). The palate is fruity, well-built, and well-balanced and offers an acidulous frame, juiciness, tension, minerality, a small freshness as well as suavity, a very fine straightness, a certain intensity, a small gourmandize dynamism, and freshness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of crushed blackberry, fleshy/juicy black plum, small notes of small black berries associated with hints of tonka bean, toasted/grilled oak, a discreet hint of caramelization, sweet spices, and sugared mild tobacco (in the background). Good length. Tannins are well-built and offer a certain suppleness. ~91-92 VertdeVin

A good amount of dried fruit, dried herbs, and oak characters, provide interest to the Morello cherry palate with grippy, warm finish. ~91 Decanter

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