Italy · Veneto

Dal Forno Romano

Dal Forno Romano is one of the most celebrated and controversial producers in Valpolicella, making Amarone and Valpolicella Superiore in a style of extreme concentration and power that has divided critics but captivated collectors worldwide. Romano Dal Forno established the estate in the early 1980s in the Illasi Valley of Valpolicella, far from the Classico zone, and was mentored by Giuseppe Quintarelli. His approach took intensity to new levels: 100-day drying of grapes, partial appassimento for the regular Valpolicella, and aging in new French barriques rather than large Slavonian oak. The resulting wines are massive — deep colour, extraordinary fruit concentration, and a power that demands long aging. Production is tiny: the estate produces only around 15,000 bottles of Amarone annually. Vintages must be excellent for Dal Forno to produce his top wines, and in lesser years he declassifies. At auction, Dal Forno Romano is one of Italy's most valuable wines, with Amarone regularly selling for prices comparable to top Barolo and Burgundy, driven by critical acclaim, tiny production, and a passionate collector following.