They say familiarity breeds contempt. I’m not sure, and frankly don’t really want to explore that dark alley. But when a late arriving Casemates offer needs quick reviewing, familiarity and being close by in Sonoma has its perks. Tonight I got to experience an interesting contrast in an uncommon wine that I don’t often get to drink. I’m betting there will be a little background in the offer when it’s posted, so I’ll leave that to the gentle readers to follow.
I started with the 2018 SalvaTerra Antica which I let sit open in the glass for about 30 minutes. It was still mid 70s here in Sonoma, so I set up on the deck with some snacks. The SalvaTerra was a pretty, dark ruby with a translucent quality. Medium in color and intensity, I was greeted by the unexpected aromas of dark cherry and raspberry along with the dried dark fruit of Amarone. It was worth waiting a bit at this point, because with a little time aromas of cedar, black licorice and a bit of earth layered in.
The entry was gentle. There was blackberry, and now the dried fruit qualities popped out more with raisin and some dried cranberry and even something savory like date - not sweet at all - but a broad fruit palate. Acidity was medium to high. A medium finish was where the light, fine tannins decided to make their statement.
I had various dips, hummus, baba ganoush and some cheese, but this wine would have none of it. Not unpleasant, just not harmonious. But with pasta puttanesca with spicy tomato and black olives it was a symphony for my taste buds. The fruit, acid combination just really wanted a savory, tomato stage to play out its full potential. This is a food wine, but not just any food. It’s Italian all the way.
The 2017 Ardevi was more to my expectations. It’s big and dark. A deep ruby with hints of purple. Medium intensity aromatics delivered cassis, dark cherry, black currant with hints of sweetness that conjured up aspects of vanilla, tobacco, nutmeg and espresso. A really different aromatic experience than the SalvaTerra.
On the palate, there was a striking contrast as well. I was greeted by an initial brightness that highlighted cherry, red plum and raspberry. There was a touch of mineral, like pencil lead, and black licorice. The finish was also medium with lingering dried black fruit and chewy tannin.
With medium high acidity, I was expecting another nice pairing with the puttanesca paste - but noooooo. It could be that the SalvaTerra was so perfect with the pasta. But it was like two spouses being introduced and left alone at an office party. An exchange of pleasantries and a lot of looking around.
I got emergency burgers from the freezer and in a few minutes bliss once again reigned at the table. This wine seems at its best with grilled meats, otherwise it can be stand-offish. Paired in this way the fruit was balanced, acidity right and the tannin had the counterpoint it needed.
It’s an interesting offer for Amarone, because of the differences. Both are well made wines with full fruit profiles, but quite different in character. Both medium to light tannin. The Ardevi more muscular. Like many Italian reds, the acidity is up there. If you’re not a fan of bright reds, these will be challenging. But with food they are right in the zone for me.
@ttboy23 My pull isn’t that big. But I did get to Coravin a generous taster pour before handing the bottle off to the other reviewer. Let’s just say it was a service fee
Amarone is a wine that I hadn’t heard about. I went to Italy a few years ago, and I have to admit that my favorite wine I had there was the house wine at Pizzeria Da Baffetto.
I opened up and poured a glass of the
SalvaTerra Antica Vigna, Amarone Della Valpolicella 2018
The wine is a dark red, although you can see through it. The wine has a big nose of black fruit like blackberry and maybe currant. The taste was not as intense as the aroma. I found the strongest first impression to be the acidity. The fruit flavor was similar to the aroma. Dark berries and dried fruit. I also tasted a little sour which could have been the acid.
I like to group wines into cocktail wines that I can drink on their own and food wines. For my taste, this wine had too much acid to be a cocktail wine. I had some Bolognese sauce in the frig. The difference with food was dramatic. With the Bolognese sauce, the Amarone was much more balanced. The acid was tamed and the fruit was much more enjoyable.
As I said, I’m not a big fan of Italian wines. I lean toward New World style wines. Cabernet and Syrah with bigger fruit, that are better for drinking on their own. This is a wine that is definitely best with food, and a bottle that I would pull out for an Italian dinner.
This is an autobuy for me. Two of the three “caught the dragon” wine experiences for me were Amarones. First was a split of 2004 Masi Amarone, the second was an expensive one that we had with our anniversary dinner, a 2009 Dal Forno Amarone. The third was a Shafer One Point Five Cabernet. We’re also headed for the Veneto Region of Italy in October, specifically to sip Amarones, just so you know where I’m coming from. These appear to be cheap, lower tier Amarones that are not going to knock your socks off, but will be just the ticket for drinking with Italian fare (In my experience, Amarones usually don’t have the acidity that these are reported to have, and I ususally drink them sans food). You can’t get Amarone for a lower price, mainly because the vinification process is complex for Amarones. The grapes have to be dried for about three months before the wine is made, which is called the Appassimento method. This method yields rich, dark wine that is absolutely delicious. Amarones should last in your cellar, so don’t worry that you’ll have to drink these up any time soon. (I put some away, along with some PS in cases that I haven’t even looked at for several years…we’ll see…)
Hmmmm…not much to add…as mentioned above the Ardevi is a Progetti Agrcoli label or “project” as they call them. A little blurb from a retailer in Denmark: “The Progretti Agricoli winery, located south of Lake Garda, is behind this delicious Amarone, made in collaboration with a number of local winemakers with years of experience in grape growing for this particular type of wine. This Amarone is a classic blend of the grapes, Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone, which are harvested from vineyards in the municipalities, Mezzane and Illasi near Verona, just over 300-420 meters above sea level. At these heights it is a little cooler, which provides optimal growing conditions for the grapes.
The grapes are harvested in mid-September, and dry in the classic way in baskets until the end of January. The grapes are then pressed and undergo a slow fermentation for 30-40 days. After fermentation, the wine spends 2 years in oak barrels. Ruby red in the glass, opens the wine with a complex and intense aroma of cherries, wild berries, dried spices and confectionery. In the mouth, the wine spreads with great fullness and fruit concentration. Ripe cherries, plums, prunes, herbs and Christmas spices characterize the taste, which lingers long after each tear (tear? that’s what google translate says). Serve the wine with a grilled pork roast, game, fried or braised red meat and ripe cheeses” Oh, selling for 195 kr.
Oh, the Luca Maroni 96, was a “Best Tastings” in May 2021. The breakdown on the 96 you ask? 33 points for Consistency, 32 for Balance and 31 for Integrity.
and the Antica Vigna…from the importer:
50% Corvina, 45% Rondinella and 5% Merlot, age of vines up to 48 years old, sustainable, limestone. Vinification Manual harvest in mid-September and vinified fresh. Soft crushed of destemmed grapes. Seven to ten days temperature controlled fermentation and 15 days secondary fermentation on Amarone skins. 80% aged 6 months in American and French barries (2/3), half is then aged a second and third time in large barrels; remaining 20% aged in steel. Pairs well with grilled and roasted meats, as well as cheese."
The blend mentioned here is different than what is noted in the offer. Merlot but no Corvinone.
This was offered in February on a flash sale on a site that shall not be named but ends in “O” for $19.99. Can’t find the breakdown on that 94 point score from Maroni y’all have been looking for…
FWIW: In for a case, in spite of SWMBO/WBM. Price point is amazing for amarone. Pls keep the black tie offers coming. How about some Anderson Conn Valley or Bell (in spite of new ownership) or … BTW: the Whitehall Lane offer was very good. What about a Beau Vigne offer?
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
Mixed Italian Amarone Wines - $120 = 28.56%
96 points, Luca Maroni, “Annuario dei Migliori Vini Italiani”
Tasting Notes
Complex and intense scent of cherries, intertwined with the freshness of undergrowth smells. Bouquet of cinnamon, cherry jam, and a palate of ripe black cherry fruit. This wine pairs lovely with game, roasted or braised red meats, and mature cheeses.
This red blend from the Veneto region is one of the most unique and sought-after wine styles in the entire world. The process to produce this wine is complicated and delicate, which makes it a wine of impressive reputation. The grapes are dehydrated after being harvested, to later be fermented, and this is reflected in powerful, deep, and luscious wines! And just like James Suckling stated: “Amarone is a wine to drink with a lot of contemplation.”
The world loves Amarone, and some of the most important wine critics in the world have also stated their admiration for this wine. Robert Parker once said: “One wine that shines particularly bright in the Veneto is the mighty Amarone, where it is king”.
Just a little over 20 miles from Verona is Progetti Agricoli, a company founded in 2015 by experts and wine lovers. Progetti Agricoli is a cooperation of different partners, each one located in some of the most important wine-growing regions of Italy, and within each region, they are creating unique and tailor-made wines. Progetti Agricoli only partners with experts in the wine industry, from the vineyard, winemaking, and even marketing, designs, and sales.
2018 SalvaTerra Antica Vigna Amarone, della Valpolicella, Italy
94 Points, Luca Maroni
Tasting Notes
The wine opens with a complex and intense scent of dark fruit, intertwined with tobacco aromas. On the palate, it is rich and elegant as well as deep and balanced at the same time; still young and with good acidity but already very harmonious.
The red wines of Valpolicella are deeply complex with an intense flavor profile and long-lasting finish and this commanding profile drives demand for these incredibly delicious wines. And just like James Suckling stated: “Amarone is a wine to drink with a lot of contemplation.”
Specs
Varietal Blend: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone
Appellation: Valpolicella, Italy
Barrel Regime: 2 years in oak barrels
Alcohol: 14%
What’s Included
2-bottles:
1x 2018 SalvaTerra Antica Vigna Amarone, della Valpolicella, Italy
1x 2017 Ardevi Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy
Case:
6x 2018 SalvaTerra Antica Vigna Amarone, della Valpolicella, Italy
Tenute SalvaTerra was founded in Cengia, a hamlet of San Pietro in Cariano, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica region. It is located in Villa Giona, one of Veneto’s most beautiful residences of the late 15th century, surrounded by cypresses, olive trees, centuries-old stone walls, and vineyards. The estate exists as an expansive verdant garden, with an excellent winery onsite.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
SoCal; I don’t need, want or have room for a full case, but I also don’t want to pay an extra $10/bottle, and for an extra $30 would get four bottles instead of two.
Would need interest from two others to consider a 3-way split…
@michaelvella@rjquillin
Yes, thank you for split opportunity - I’m in the Mt Soledad area so close by. Spent a lot of time at the Q and surrounding area.
@bknelson@rjquillin Thanks, RJ. I will shoot for tomorrow to come get the wine. Probably between 10 and 12. Give me the total for PP and I’ll send it to you today. Cheers!
@bknelson@klezman@radiolysis@rjquillin
Not generally a pool party meal (but will be much later anyway) I’m going to make some sauce with tomatoes from our garden half & half with some tinned ones, served over ravioli. I’ll let you know how it was tomorrow.
Tempted, but can’t find much about either of these 2 bottles and never had either. We eat a lot of Italian food and amarone always goes over well. But this offering is about $4 a bottle cheaper than the Rengo - Amarone della Valpolicella (70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara ) I usually buy. So without tasting I’ll probably pass without more details about this wine.
@MarkDaSpark I did but the price is equal to what it would cost locally per Vivino and others and that is only if you buy an entire case. I expect some kind of discount unless I’m getting something unique that I can’t get locally.
Tonight we taste Amarone for every season
They say familiarity breeds contempt. I’m not sure, and frankly don’t really want to explore that dark alley. But when a late arriving Casemates offer needs quick reviewing, familiarity and being close by in Sonoma has its perks. Tonight I got to experience an interesting contrast in an uncommon wine that I don’t often get to drink. I’m betting there will be a little background in the offer when it’s posted, so I’ll leave that to the gentle readers to follow.
I started with the 2018 SalvaTerra Antica which I let sit open in the glass for about 30 minutes. It was still mid 70s here in Sonoma, so I set up on the deck with some snacks. The SalvaTerra was a pretty, dark ruby with a translucent quality. Medium in color and intensity, I was greeted by the unexpected aromas of dark cherry and raspberry along with the dried dark fruit of Amarone. It was worth waiting a bit at this point, because with a little time aromas of cedar, black licorice and a bit of earth layered in.
The entry was gentle. There was blackberry, and now the dried fruit qualities popped out more with raisin and some dried cranberry and even something savory like date - not sweet at all - but a broad fruit palate. Acidity was medium to high. A medium finish was where the light, fine tannins decided to make their statement.
I had various dips, hummus, baba ganoush and some cheese, but this wine would have none of it. Not unpleasant, just not harmonious. But with pasta puttanesca with spicy tomato and black olives it was a symphony for my taste buds. The fruit, acid combination just really wanted a savory, tomato stage to play out its full potential. This is a food wine, but not just any food. It’s Italian all the way.
The 2017 Ardevi was more to my expectations. It’s big and dark. A deep ruby with hints of purple. Medium intensity aromatics delivered cassis, dark cherry, black currant with hints of sweetness that conjured up aspects of vanilla, tobacco, nutmeg and espresso. A really different aromatic experience than the SalvaTerra.
On the palate, there was a striking contrast as well. I was greeted by an initial brightness that highlighted cherry, red plum and raspberry. There was a touch of mineral, like pencil lead, and black licorice. The finish was also medium with lingering dried black fruit and chewy tannin.
With medium high acidity, I was expecting another nice pairing with the puttanesca paste - but noooooo. It could be that the SalvaTerra was so perfect with the pasta. But it was like two spouses being introduced and left alone at an office party. An exchange of pleasantries and a lot of looking around.
I got emergency burgers from the freezer and in a few minutes bliss once again reigned at the table. This wine seems at its best with grilled meats, otherwise it can be stand-offish. Paired in this way the fruit was balanced, acidity right and the tannin had the counterpoint it needed.
It’s an interesting offer for Amarone, because of the differences. Both are well made wines with full fruit profiles, but quite different in character. Both medium to light tannin. The Ardevi more muscular. Like many Italian reds, the acidity is up there. If you’re not a fan of bright reds, these will be challenging. But with food they are right in the zone for me.
@cyclensip you got BOTH?! Ya must know the CEO
@ttboy23 My pull isn’t that big. But I did get to Coravin a generous taster pour before handing the bottle off to the other reviewer. Let’s just say it was a service fee
Amarone is a wine that I hadn’t heard about. I went to Italy a few years ago, and I have to admit that my favorite wine I had there was the house wine at Pizzeria Da Baffetto.
I opened up and poured a glass of the
SalvaTerra Antica Vigna, Amarone Della Valpolicella 2018
The wine is a dark red, although you can see through it. The wine has a big nose of black fruit like blackberry and maybe currant. The taste was not as intense as the aroma. I found the strongest first impression to be the acidity. The fruit flavor was similar to the aroma. Dark berries and dried fruit. I also tasted a little sour which could have been the acid.
I like to group wines into cocktail wines that I can drink on their own and food wines. For my taste, this wine had too much acid to be a cocktail wine. I had some Bolognese sauce in the frig. The difference with food was dramatic. With the Bolognese sauce, the Amarone was much more balanced. The acid was tamed and the fruit was much more enjoyable.
As I said, I’m not a big fan of Italian wines. I lean toward New World style wines. Cabernet and Syrah with bigger fruit, that are better for drinking on their own. This is a wine that is definitely best with food, and a bottle that I would pull out for an Italian dinner.
@Pourwine4u Pic didn’t go through. Trying again.
@Pourwine4u Yup, heic is a total format fail here.
This is an autobuy for me. Two of the three “caught the dragon” wine experiences for me were Amarones. First was a split of 2004 Masi Amarone, the second was an expensive one that we had with our anniversary dinner, a 2009 Dal Forno Amarone. The third was a Shafer One Point Five Cabernet. We’re also headed for the Veneto Region of Italy in October, specifically to sip Amarones, just so you know where I’m coming from. These appear to be cheap, lower tier Amarones that are not going to knock your socks off, but will be just the ticket for drinking with Italian fare (In my experience, Amarones usually don’t have the acidity that these are reported to have, and I ususally drink them sans food). You can’t get Amarone for a lower price, mainly because the vinification process is complex for Amarones. The grapes have to be dried for about three months before the wine is made, which is called the Appassimento method. This method yields rich, dark wine that is absolutely delicious. Amarones should last in your cellar, so don’t worry that you’ll have to drink these up any time soon. (I put some away, along with some PS in cases that I haven’t even looked at for several years…we’ll see…)
I love Amarone and don’t believe I’ve seen it offered here or on the old site before.
In a rather ironic twist of fate, I can’t buy these Italian wines because when they ship, I’ll be in Italy.
And yes, I know, first world problems.
Hmmmm…not much to add…as mentioned above the Ardevi is a Progetti Agrcoli label or “project” as they call them. A little blurb from a retailer in Denmark: “The Progretti Agricoli winery, located south of Lake Garda, is behind this delicious Amarone, made in collaboration with a number of local winemakers with years of experience in grape growing for this particular type of wine. This Amarone is a classic blend of the grapes, Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone, which are harvested from vineyards in the municipalities, Mezzane and Illasi near Verona, just over 300-420 meters above sea level. At these heights it is a little cooler, which provides optimal growing conditions for the grapes.
The grapes are harvested in mid-September, and dry in the classic way in baskets until the end of January. The grapes are then pressed and undergo a slow fermentation for 30-40 days. After fermentation, the wine spends 2 years in oak barrels. Ruby red in the glass, opens the wine with a complex and intense aroma of cherries, wild berries, dried spices and confectionery. In the mouth, the wine spreads with great fullness and fruit concentration. Ripe cherries, plums, prunes, herbs and Christmas spices characterize the taste, which lingers long after each tear (tear? that’s what google translate says). Serve the wine with a grilled pork roast, game, fried or braised red meat and ripe cheeses” Oh, selling for 195 kr.
Oh, the Luca Maroni 96, was a “Best Tastings” in May 2021. The breakdown on the 96 you ask? 33 points for Consistency, 32 for Balance and 31 for Integrity.
and the Antica Vigna…from the importer:
50% Corvina, 45% Rondinella and 5% Merlot, age of vines up to 48 years old, sustainable, limestone. Vinification Manual harvest in mid-September and vinified fresh. Soft crushed of destemmed grapes. Seven to ten days temperature controlled fermentation and 15 days secondary fermentation on Amarone skins. 80% aged 6 months in American and French barries (2/3), half is then aged a second and third time in large barrels; remaining 20% aged in steel. Pairs well with grilled and roasted meats, as well as cheese."
The blend mentioned here is different than what is noted in the offer. Merlot but no Corvinone.
This was offered in February on a flash sale on a site that shall not be named but ends in “O” for $19.99. Can’t find the breakdown on that 94 point score from Maroni y’all have been looking for…
fwiw (and it ain’t much)
@kaolis Breaking News!.. the 94 point breakdown:
Tasted 10/8/21 C: 33 - B: 31 - I: 30
@kaolis I don’t know much about Luca Maroni, but I suspect that he speaks Italian:
@Mark_L
As long as his hands aren’t tied.
@kaolis looks like these were up on UC a few months back as well, but good luck knowing what you may randomly receive from them.
@rjquillin UC means what here?
@bdb
Underground Cellar (a different site that sells wine).
FWIW: In for a case, in spite of SWMBO/WBM. Price point is amazing for amarone. Pls keep the black tie offers coming. How about some Anderson Conn Valley or Bell (in spite of new ownership) or … BTW: the Whitehall Lane offer was very good. What about a Beau Vigne offer?
@jmdavidson1
Uh-oh he’s taking off the shackles
@ScottW58 Yes, still lurking.
Pricing rather looks like a one of those
and @kaolis.
offers from the old site. Waiting for
@rjquillin and on a Wednesday at that
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
Mixed Italian Amarone Wines - $120 = 28.56%
2017 Ardevi Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy
96 points, Luca Maroni, “Annuario dei Migliori Vini Italiani”
Tasting Notes
Specs
About The Winery
2018 SalvaTerra Antica Vigna Amarone, della Valpolicella, Italy
94 Points, Luca Maroni
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
2-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $500/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jun 27 - Wednesday, Jun 29
Mixed Italian Amarone Wines
2 bottles for $69.99 $34.99/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $299.99 $25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2017 Ardevi Amarone
2018 Antica Vigna Amarone
Bah! Italian, Amarone, AND 94+ point wines?
/giphy last-odious-crime
@MarkDaSpark Texas lit up! Hope you are doing well
@losthighwayz
Still here. Wine is in Texas … but I visit it!
I already purchased, but if any Colorado-Denver-metro folks want, I could part with a few.
@jasisk North of Denver, Berthoud but interested in what your thinking on bottle count and cost - thanks
Great reviews, but my healthier eating habits don’t find me with an overly Italian meal trend to tame them appropriately.
SoCal; I don’t need, want or have room for a full case, but I also don’t want to pay an extra $10/bottle, and for an extra $30 would get four bottles instead of two.
Would need interest from two others to consider a 3-way split…
@rjquillin
I’m in for a 3 way split if someone else is on board as well.
@rjquillin
I’ll pick up the other third if still available. I’m in SD coastal…
@bknelson @michaelvella
maniacal-ghastly-illusionist
I’m in the Mira Mesa area, near the Qualcomm complex, just east of 805 and north of Mira Mesa Bl.
@bknelson @rjquillin Sounds like we got our split. Let me the $ and I’ll PP you today, RJ.
@bknelson @michaelvella
nah, let’s wait till they arrive. tnx
@bknelson @rjquillin Sounds good. Thanks for being the middle man again, appreciate it.
@michaelvella @rjquillin
Yes, thank you for split opportunity - I’m in the Mt Soledad area so close by. Spent a lot of time at the Q and surrounding area.
@bknelson @michaelvella
Case arrived today in styro.
PM me if you need directions.
@bknelson @rjquillin Thanks, RJ. I will shoot for tomorrow to come get the wine. Probably between 10 and 12. Give me the total for PP and I’ll send it to you today. Cheers!
@bknelson @michaelvella $26.99917/btl
@bknelson @michaelvella @rjquillin I hope you’re all coming to the gathering on Saturday! Check in with @radiolysis if you need to, or check in here:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/socalsan-diego-57-gathering
@michaelvella @rjquillin
Ok great, will DM to set up time tomorrow or Friday to arrange pickup and payment. Thanks again!
@bknelson @klezman @radiolysis @rjquillin
Can’t, unfortunately. Hosting a small pool party.
Thanks for the invite, tho.
PP on the way, RJ.
@bknelson @klezman @radiolysis @rjquillin
Not generally a pool party meal (but will be much later anyway) I’m going to make some sauce with tomatoes from our garden half & half with some tinned ones, served over ravioli. I’ll let you know how it was tomorrow.
Southern New England Folks: Anyone interested in splitting a case?
@SaintO I am in Newton Ma. Will order a case if I want some.
@netcommsyn I’m in Providence but work in Waltham. Care to split 50/50?
Tempted, but can’t find much about either of these 2 bottles and never had either. We eat a lot of Italian food and amarone always goes over well. But this offering is about $4 a bottle cheaper than the Rengo - Amarone della Valpolicella (70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara ) I usually buy. So without tasting I’ll probably pass without more details about this wine.
@forlich.
Did you read the Labrat reports? Good info on them from fellow wineaux.
@MarkDaSpark I did but the price is equal to what it would cost locally per Vivino and others and that is only if you buy an entire case. I expect some kind of discount unless I’m getting something unique that I can’t get locally.