Amarone della Valpolicella must reinvent itself. This was the warning issued by Andrea Lonardi, Master of Wine, during Amarone Opera Prima last February—a sentiment we fully endorse. A return to the pergola system, shorter aging periods, and differentiating production zones exclusively for Valpolicella and Amarone will only enhance the performance of this prestigious dry passito wine. Alongside the Sforzato (Sfursàt) from Valtellina, Amarone is Italy's most iconic dry passito, produced in the Verona area.
This year, Amarone della Valpolicella dominated Veneto’s awards scene, earning 11 accolades in Gambero Rosso's Vini d’Italia 2025 guide. These wines are products of wineries that have, over the decades, redefined this historic red from Verona, focusing on aromatic finesse and gustatory tension in a wine that often exceeds 16% alcohol.
Production zones and types of Amarone della Valpolicella
Since 2010, Amarone della Valpolicella has held DOCG status and is available in different types: annata, classico (encompassing the municipalities of Negrar, Marano, Fumane, Sant’Ambrogio, and San Pietro in Cariano), riserva (with a minimum dry extract of 32.00% and at least four years of aging), and Valpantena.
Amarone is primarily made from native grape varieties such as Corvina (45% to 95%), which can be substituted with Corvinone (up to 50%) and Rondinella (5% to 30%). Non-aromatic red grape varieties (up to 15%) are also permitted.
The best Amarone della Valpolicella wines – Tre Bicchieri 2025
The Amarone della Valpolicella wines awarded Tre Bicchieri, the highest accolade in Vini d’Italia 2025, come from Veneto's historic wineries.
Monte Zovo’s Amarone '20 hails from the Tregnago estate, with altitudes ranging from 300 to 600 meters, allowing the grapes to mature while preserving fresh aromas and a solid acidic backbone. On the nose, ripe cherry intertwines with balsamic and pepper notes, mirrored on the palate, which boasts a rich, harmonious profile with an energetic drinkability.
Diego Cottini has transformed the family winery into an expansive vineyard enterprise exploring Bardolino, Lugana, and Valpolicella. Supporting him are his wife Annalberta and sons Michele (handling technical management) and Mattia (in charge of hospitality and communication).
Campo dei Gigli '19 offers a fruity explosion on the nose, with wild berry aromas merging with herbal and peppery nuances. The palate impresses with compact structure and assertive alcohol presence.
Since its inception in the late 20th century, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, led by the Castagnedi brothers, has emphasized viticultural excellence, continuously expanding its vineyards across Valpolicella Orientale and Soave.
Case Vecie '18 combines mature, complex aromas of fruit, underbrush, and macerated leaves with a vibrant palate, balancing Amarone's characteristic power and alcohol with precise acidity. Brigaldara operates vineyards across the Classico and eastern Valpolicella zones, with notable locations in San Floriano, Grezzana, and Marcellise for white wines.
Allegrini’s 2020 vintage introduces fresher, spicier notes compared to past years, with the fruit as the star, enhanced by herbal nuances for agility and dynamism. The wine’s fullness is paired with signature sapidity, a hallmark of the Allegrini style.
The 2015 Bertani Amarone presents a complex aromatic profile, where overripe fruit meets herbal and spicy notes. On the palate, it reveals richness supported by dense, lively tannins. Bertani, a cornerstone of Amarone production, offers a library of vintage wines spanning back to the post-war period, rooted in both the Valpolicella Classica and Valpantena zones.
Quintarelli’s 2017 vintage unfolds its aromas gradually, starting with sweet, ripe cherry and transitioning to earthy and spicy notes. The palate is full-bodied yet harmonious, supported by acidity and salinity. Fiorenza and her sons Francesco and Lorenzo have upheld the family’s legacy, continuing to craft wines with patience and tradition.
Cima Caponiera '17 debuts with a refined aromatic profile blending fruit, flowers, and spices, culminating in a fresh and dynamic sip. Ca' Rugate, led by Michele Tessari, consistently innovates, creating wines that honor tradition while embracing new challenges.
Sant’Urbano 2020 perfectly balances immediate and mature aromas, with sweet cherry and subtle herbal hints mirrored on the palate, where fullness meets vibrant tension. Speri adheres to traditional practices, exclusively cultivating local varieties using the pergola training system.
Zenato’s Riserva Sergio Zenato explores the depths of Amarone, offering a consistent yet nuanced palate. The winery operates across Valpolicella and Lugana, producing wines of exceptional quality in a state-of-the-art facility.
Mai Dire Mai '16 benefits from an additional year of aging, showcasing dark, ripe fruit with herbal and peppery notes. The palate reveals compactness and tension, solidifying its place among the most compelling interpretations of Amarone.
Val**zzane '17 features a luminous ruby hue and aromas that evolve from sweet fruit to underbrush and pepper. The palate prioritizes harmony and tension over sheer power, delivering a long, juicy finish. Marinella Camerani’s biodynamic approach celebrates the region’s traditions and terroir.
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