Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva “De Buris” 2010

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva “De Buris” 2010 by De Buris

Valpolicella is a region that has long been renowned for its exceptional wines and diverse range of winemakers. From small family-run operations to large-scale producers, the region is home to some of the most famous names in the world of wine. But it is the cult wineries, those that produce small batches of handcrafted wines, that truly capture the imagination of the connoisseur.

De Buris is one such cult winery, known for its uncompromising approach to winemaking and its commitment to producing only the finest wines. The La Groletta vineyard in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella is where the grapes for this exquisite wine are grown.

Located in the commune of Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, the La Groletta vineyard spans a total area of 10 hectares, including a 1.9-hectare parcel and about 0.5 hectares of the La Groletta cru. Situated at an altitude of 250 meters above sea level and facing Lake Garda, the vineyard is exposed to the southwest. The soil is clayey and calcareous, with a medium texture and moderate stoniness, a pH range of 7-7.5, low organic matter, and high levels of limestone, potassium, and calcium, with lower concentrations of magnesium and iron. The Guyot training system is used, with a plant density of 6,500 vines per hectare, and the vines have an average age of 30 years. The yield per hectare is 6,000 kilograms, with a 40% yield in wine after the drying process.

The winter of 2009/10 was characterized by a prolonged period of low temperatures, which resulted in a slight delay in the vine’s life cycle. The following spring was damp and cooler than average, but this weather pattern contributed to a lush blossoming and a fruitful grape yield. The grapes were large in size but sparser in bunches, making them ideal for drying. The harvest took place on September 23rd, roughly ten days later than usual. The grapes designated for Amarone were carefully harvested and dried for three months, aided by additional cooling fans to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels. The end result was excellent, with healthy grapes and a moisture loss of over 40%.

Only the finest bunches are hand-selected and subjected to the appassimento process for 110 days, resulting in a wine that is rich, complex, and full-bodied.

The resulting wine is a beautiful blend of corvina, corvinone, oseleta, and rondinella grapes, each contributing its own unique flavor and aroma profile. The wine is aged for five years in Slavonian oak casks, which give it a subtle, smoky flavor and a velvety texture.

This wine boasts an intensely flavorful aroma profile, with a wide range of notes that showcase its unique character and complexity. The opulent fruits of the forest are the first to make themselves known, with their rich and juicy flavors setting the stage for what is to come.

But there is more to this wine than just fruit – it also has a noticeable peppery spiciness that adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the aroma. The Christmas-spice notes are a testament to the wine’s distinctive flavor profile, with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves lending it a festive and warming character that is perfect for enjoying during the winter months.

The cacao notes are another standout feature of the wine, with their deep, chocolatey flavor adding a touch of indulgence and luxury to every sip. And the hint of butter, though subtle, adds a silky smoothness to the wine that makes it a pleasure to savor.

Overall, the aroma of this wine is a beautiful blend of fruity, spicy, and chocolatey notes that come together in a truly unique and unforgettable way. It is a testament to the skill and expertise of the winemakers who crafted it, and is sure to impress even the most discerning of wine enthusiasts.

On the palate, the wine is structured and remarkably smooth, with sweet fruit balanced by a prominent minerality that lingers on the tongue. The finish is long and refreshing, making it a wine that is perfect for savoring on its own or pairing with a variety of dishes.

Despite its age, this wine is only just getting started and promises to evolve and improve with time. It is a true masterpiece of winemaking, crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, and is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of winemaking at its highest level.