From the Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano – a wine of depth and distinction

This Amarone has both origin and character: a deep garnet red in the glas with a nearly black core. On the nose, a captivating, ethereal bouquet unfolds – notes of dried dark fruits, sweet spices, licorice, and a hint of balsamic depth.

On the palate, the 2001 vintage – sourced from the renowned Monte Sant’Urbano cru in the Fumane commune – is seductive in every way: warm, mouth-filling, almost sensual. The acidity is vibrant yet harmoniously integrated, the tannins powerful yet creamy, supported by a generous alcohol content (15% ABV) and the dense concentration of ripe fruit.

The long finish is dominated by black cherries and blackberries, ripe, juicy and profound. Despite its impressive power and opulent fruit – both trademarks of a Speri Amarone – this wine radiates a rare elegance that leaves a lasting impression.

Good to Know

Amarone della Valpolicella is a true original among Italian red wines – powerful, complex, and deeply rooted in regional identity. It reflects not only the craftsmanship of the winemakers but also the richness of the Valpolicella Classico terroir.

Speri first produced Amarone in 1938. The appellation received DOC status in 1968, and in 2010, it was elevated to the prestigious DOCG level.

The cuvée consists of 70% Corvina Veronese and Corvinone, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara. The grapes are harvested early, while acidity is still high, and then traditionally dried – either on racks or in small crates, stored in well-ventilated buildings.

Once the grapes have lost about 40% of their weight, vinification begins. The resulting wine, rich in sugar, yields over 14% alcohol, with powerful structure, ripe tannins, and intense aromas of dark fruit and spice.

A Personal Note

My first wine journey to Italy in 2000 took me from Trentino along Lake Garda into the Valpolicella region – and on to Florence and the Maremma. I had prepared a list of carefully selected wineries to visit. One of them: Speri.

There, I had the opportunity to taste Amarone vintages from 1991 to 1997 – a defining experience. Since then, I haven’t missed a single vintage, and I continue to maintain a warm friendship with the family.

Subjective? Perhaps. But for me, Speri is among the top five Amarone producers in the world.

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Photo Credit: © Arthur Wirtzfeld