De Buris · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG 2011

  The De Buris Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva from Tommasi Viticoltori is a celebration of time, terroir, and craftsmanship: it is made exclusively from hand-picked grapes from the historic La Groletta vineyard in Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella—one of the most classic cru terraces in the Valpolicella Classico area. The blend of indigenous grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone, Oseleta, and Rondinella undergoes the traditional appassimento process, in which the grapes are dried on racks to increase their concentration and aromatic depth. An elaborate multi-year aging process in large oak barrels and then in the bottle completes the project and gives the wine its impressive structure.

In the glass, it displays a dense ruby red color with garnet red reflections—a visual indication of its depth and concentration. The bouquet unfolds notes of sun-kissed cherries, ripe plums, and dark forest berries, interwoven with fine dark chocolate, leather, ground coffee, and a hint of pink pepper—vibrant traces of maturity and terroir. On the palate, De Buris presents itself with impressive fullness and velvety tannins, precise minerality, and a finish that combines licorice, dark spices, and delicate tobacco notes. Underpinned by impressive elegance, this Amarone is a wine that deserves both powerful gourmet dishes such as braised game or mature cheese, as well as quiet moments of conscious tasting. - Gerardo [TS10/12]