San Michele is one of the largest and most important growers in Valpolicella Classico that you've never heard of, with extensive vineyard holdings located in the cooler, higher-altitude zones of the region—ideal for producing structured, aromatic Amarone. It's a much more restrained and balanced style than is usually found here, and it was quite a surprise when we tasted it with the winemaker earlier this week. He told us that historically, San Michele has sold the majority of their top-quality fruit to elite names like Quintarelli, Dal Forno, and Mazi, keeping only the best parcels for their own limited production, with only about 1% of the fruit used for winemaking. The 2019 vintage was excellent for Amarone, offering ripe yet balanced fruit thanks to a warm but not overly hot growing season combined with the moderating influence of the cooler vineyard sites. Grapes were traditionally dried for several months before a slow, natural fermentation and aging took place in large neutral oak barrels to preserve purity and terroir expression. The result is an Amarone that is powerful but fresh, with deep black cherry, dried fig, cocoa, and spice notes, supported by vibrant acidity and fine, polished tannins. The core of fruit on the palate has excellent intensity but also fine elegance, finishing long and delicious. Even with the naturally higher alcohol, it's almost imperceptible and so well integrated with the beautiful fruit and acidity. When we tried these, they had already been open for a day, which is always a great sign that the wines are not afraid of oxygen and opening up. With pedigree fruit, traditional methods, and careful selection, San Michele's Amarone offers serious value, competing with much more expensive wines at a fraction of the price, and with very little representation in the US, we have some of the only bottles available right now.
Wine Enthusiast 94 points! "This Amarone greets you with aromas of savory spiced black plums, blackberry jam, allspice, and star anise, with a delicate notes of dried violets. The palate is a masterful construction, showcasing rich flavors of succulent black cherries and dark, juicy figs. These flavors are well balanced with warm earth and spice notes, supported by fine, elegant tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the senses. Drink Now - 2045"
2019 San Michele Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ETA W/O 5-4-25
2019 San Michele Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ETA W/O 5-4-25
San Michele is one of the largest and most important growers in Valpolicella Classico that you've never heard of, with extensive vineyard holdings located in the cooler, higher-altitude zones of the region—ideal for producing structured, aromatic Amarone. It's a much more restrained and balanced style than is usually found here, and it was quite a surprise when we tasted it with the winemaker earlier this week. He told us that historically, San Michele has sold the majority of their top-quality fruit to elite names like Quintarelli, Dal Forno, and Mazi, keeping only the best parcels for their own limited production, with only about 1% of the fruit used for winemaking. The 2019 vintage was excellent for Amarone, offering ripe yet balanced fruit thanks to a warm but not overly hot growing season combined with the moderating influence of the cooler vineyard sites. Grapes were traditionally dried for several months before a slow, natural fermentation and aging took place in large neutral oak barrels to preserve purity and terroir expression. The result is an Amarone that is powerful but fresh, with deep black cherry, dried fig, cocoa, and spice notes, supported by vibrant acidity and fine, polished tannins. The core of fruit on the palate has excellent intensity but also fine elegance, finishing long and delicious. Even with the naturally higher alcohol, it's almost imperceptible and so well integrated with the beautiful fruit and acidity. When we tried these, they had already been open for a day, which is always a great sign that the wines are not afraid of oxygen and opening up. With pedigree fruit, traditional methods, and careful selection, San Michele's Amarone offers serious value, competing with much more expensive wines at a fraction of the price, and with very little representation in the US, we have some of the only bottles available right now.
Wine Enthusiast 94 points! "This Amarone greets you with aromas of savory spiced black plums, blackberry jam, allspice, and star anise, with a delicate notes of dried violets. The palate is a masterful construction, showcasing rich flavors of succulent black cherries and dark, juicy figs. These flavors are well balanced with warm earth and spice notes, supported by fine, elegant tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the senses. Drink Now - 2045"
