Amarone della Valpolicella DOP Classico “La Mattonara” 2009 by Zymé
Standing out from the crowd in Valpolicella can be a daunting task, and doing so in 2009 was a remarkable feat. However, Zymé’s award-winning Amarone Riserva “La Mattonara” has succeeded, exceeding expectations and undergoing exceptional development over the past 15 years. And with plenty of time ahead, this wine is truly one to savor.
This Amarone Riserva is only produced in very important years. It stands out from the classic Amarone due to an even more accurate selection of grapes, which come from the oldest vineyards (20 to 50 years old). Organic fertilizers and manual pruning; bud selection, leaf removal, and cluster thinning.
Winemaking and aging: natural drying (without the use of dehumidifiers) for about 3 months; followed by pressing in January. Fermented rigorously according to traditional methods in cement tanks for at least 2 months in contact with the skins. The fermentation occurs with indigenous yeast at natural temperatures. After racking, it rests for about 9 years in large Slavonian oak botti and tonneaux, and is bottled in its tenth year of age. The long aging process promotes further reduction of residual sugars. It is then aged in the bottle for a minimum of 1 year.
The Amarone Riserva “La Mattonara” undergoes an even more precise grape selection process than the classic version. Only the finest grapes from the oldest vineyards are used, which undergo organic fertilization and manual pruning, bud selection, leaf removal, and cluster thinning. The natural drying process takes about three months and is followed by pressing in January. Fermentation is carried out traditionally in cement tanks for at least two months using indigenous yeast and natural temperatures.
After racking, the wine rests for about nine years in large Slavonian oak botti and tonneaux before being bottled in its tenth year of age. The long aging process results in a further reduction of residual sugars, resulting in a wine of exceptional quality. After aging in the bottle for at least one year, this reserve Amarone is ready to be enjoyed during a special occasion.
The Amarone Riserva “La Mattonara” is made up of a blend of Corvina (40%), Corvinone (30%), Rondinella (15%), Oseleta (10%), and Croatina (5%) grapes, grown in soil that is a mix of clay and limestone. The resulting wine has a high alcohol content of 16%.
This deep reddish-purple wine with a tendency towards vermillion has a fruit-forward aroma of bright, aged cherries, plums, damsons, and even a hint of watermelon. Extraordinary undercurrents of tobacco, aniseed, and hints of bitter chocolate and almonds add depth to the aroma. On the palate, this wine is long and rich, with finely integrated tannins and impressive freshness. The finish is incredibly long and intense.
Although it is starting to reward patience, this wine has genuine decades left in it, making it an excellent addition to any wine collection. Pair it with something rich and special, and take the time to savor it during a long, special evening.
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