2017 Roccolo Grassi Amarone
Grape
Mostly Corvina Veronese with some Corvinone, Rondinella and Croatina
Its Origins
Marco and Francesca Sartori continue to be at the top of their game and, somehow, still under the radar. Both their Valpolicella and Amarone are typically one of the top wines of the appellation. The Brother-and-sister team are the second generation to run the Roccolo Grassi winery, located outside of the Classico zone in Mezzane di Sotto. They tend to a total of 15 hectares according to organic practices. The family sources the fruit for their Amarone and Valpolicella from a high altitude site, planted in volcanic and basalt soils, a stony mix of red and black clay. This location is known for its cooler mesoclimate, the result of cooling air currents coming down from the Lessini Mountains, but also for a lower amount of precipitation, which is balanced by the vineyard’s water-retaining soils. The Amarone hails from vines averaging 45 years of age, while the younger vines under 25 years go into the Valpolicella. The Sartori family works to maintain a progressive and more savory style, yet still showcasing the richness obtained through appassimento. Both reds undergo maturation in a combination of new and aged barriques. The Valpolicella is unique in the region in that it uses 30% appassimento (air dried) grapes, and sees around 20 months in wood. Think of it as a more vibrant and energetic styled Amarone, no wonder it is the finest example you can buy. The Amarone itself is a powerhouse, but only sees 26 months in wood, which is low on average for the region. This is a good example of how they maintain such a beautifully fresh style.
What The Critics Say
95/100 Vinous, Eric Guido
"The Roccolo Grassi Amarone is typically one of the top wines of each vintage. The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella dazzles with a remarkably fresh and perfumed bouquet, as spiced citrus rinds and dusty cherries are complemented by violet and lavender nuances. This is total elegance onthe palate, seamlessly silky and enveloping, with a core of mineral-tinged acidity that helps to invigorate its depths of dark red fruit and exotic spice. The 2017 lingers on with a primary saturation and coating of sweet tannins as blood-orange traces resonate under an air of purple-toned inner florals." Drink 2025 - 2038
95/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Monica Larner (2013 vintage)
"Despite its age, the 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella remains quite fresh and buoyant throughout. This is a very classic expression from the Valpolicella with plenty of soft and sweet fruit to offset all that tangy mesquite and spice. The Roccolo Grassi house blend is 60% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 5% Croatina. The grapes saw 90 days of appassimento, which is on the short side for this appellation. That shorter dehydration time explains why this wine is so balanced and youthful. The 16.5% alcohol forces you into a heavier food pairing, such as fondue with melted raclette. Some 12,700 bottles were made."
95/100 Antonio Galloni (2011 vintage)
"A wine of extreme finesse, the 2011 Amarone della Valpolicella is utterly captivating. Dark red cherries, plums, cloves and new leather are some of the many notes that blossom in the 2011 Amarone della Valpolicella. Pliant and deeply expressive, the 2011 is firing on all cylinders today. I don't see the 2011 as a long-term ager, but it is absolutely gorgeous today and should continue to drink well for another decade, give or take."
| Variety | Red blend |
|---|---|
| Region | Veneto |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2024 - 2038 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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