Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico “Guglielmi di Jago 20 Anni” 1998

Amarone della Valpolicella Docg Classico “Guglielmi di Jago 20 Anni” 1998 by Villa Spinosa

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico “Guglielmi di Jago 20 anni” 1998 represents the highest expression of a long term project dedicated to enhancing the heritage of Valpolicella and its most iconic wine, Amarone. Born from an extraordinary vintage, this release embodies patience and continuity, honoring the Guglielmi family who began planting vines in Jago in the nineteenth century. It is a return to origins, shaped by time and guided by tradition.

Produced from Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara grown in the estate vineyards of Jago in Negrar, within Valpolicella Classica near Colle Masua, the wine reflects its hillside setting. The vineyards lie between 240 and 252 meters above sea level with eastern exposure. The soils are calcareous, derived from marine sediments, relatively shallow and of moderate fertility. Vines are trained partly in Pergola Veronese with 1,800 to 2,000 vines per hectare and partly in Guyot with 3,300 to 4,000 vines per hectare. Yields range between 80 and 100 quintals per hectare, selecting only the finest bunches.

Harvest takes place manually from mid September to early October. The grapes are carefully selected and placed in small baskets for drying, remaining for three to four months and losing about 30 percent of their original weight. After gentle destemming and crushing, fermentation occurs in stainless steel at controlled temperatures between 10 and 18 °C. Maceration lasts four to six weeks with daily remontage, followed by malolactic fermentation in spring.

The ageing process defines the identity of this wine. After remaining in steel until April, it spends twelve months in 500 litre French oak tonneaux and seventeen years in large Slavonian oak casks ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 litres, followed by twelve months in bottle. Eighteen years in wood give the wine a refined texture and remarkable aromatic depth.

In the glass it shows a garnet red color. The nose is evolved and layered, with rich cherry notes intertwined with chocolate and coffee, lifted by aromatic herbs and delicate hints of clove, pepper and ginger. On the palate it is deep and concentrated, smooth and velvety, with tannins that remain present yet polished by time. A lively acidity sustains balance, power and vitality, creating a long and harmonious progression.

With 15.5 percent alcohol and a production of only 1,306 bottles, it stands as a rare and significant Amarone. It should be served at 18 °C in large bowled glasses. A true meditation wine, it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and is equally suited to red meats, game, backyard meats and semi soft cheeses. Its ageing potential extends for 15 to 20 years.