Amarone della Valpolicella

Veneto · Italy · Wine Auction Prices

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG is the benchmark for the appassimento style in Italy and one of the world's great age-worthy red wines. The zone encompasses the three main valleys — Valpantena, Fumane, and Marano — radiating north from Verona, with the Classico zone in the original heartland west of the city commanding the highest prices and producer prestige. By law, Amarone must contain at least 45% Corvina (up to 95%), supported by Corvinone, Rondinella, and permitted local varieties. After the late-October harvest, grapes are dried for a minimum of 90 days, typically until January or February, before slow fermentation converts nearly all residual sugar into the signature dry, concentrated wine. The resulting wine must reach a minimum of 14% ABV, with Riserva bottlings requiring at least 4 years' total ageing. The Classico zone, with its volcanic basalt and limestone soils at 100–500m altitude, produces wines of greater finesse and terroir expression than the broader appellation. Key auction targets include Quintarelli (regular and Monte Ca' Paletta), Dal Forno Romano, Bertani (including rare old vintages from the 1960s–80s), Allegrini, Masi Costasera, Zenato Riserva Sergio, and Tedeschi.