From right in the heart of the classic Valpolicella area: San Pietro in Cariano, San Floriano and Pedemonte di Valpolicella. Mainly limestone with lots of rocks. Alberto’s Amarone Classico displays an intense ruby red colour and, on the nose, sweet fruity notes – redcurrants, blueberries and cherries – as well as a characteristic hint of vanilla from the oak. It is particularly majestic on the palate: its soft, warming sensations are counterpointed by good acidity and soft tannins that create a gratifying balance. This is an elegant wine with great structure. It boasts many awards including a couple of Gold Medals at the Challenge International du Vin.

On a mission to find the best Amarone for our Christmas range 2020, I went to the Vinitaly Trade Wine Fair in Verona with a view to single-mindedly taste my way through all the Amarone producers in the Veneto Hall. The very first stand (right by the side entrance, not the main entrance which was too busy) was Brunelli Vini. The very first taste was enough to suggest it would be a good day. First day, first stand, first wine – excellent. What more was in store? However, as I progressed tasting other producers, I had to keep going back to Brunelli’s stand to double check. Maybe I was giddy with the excitement of the first taste of the day. But, no; every time I went back they were still the best. Martina must have thought I was some saddo with nowhere else to go. By the end of the day with over 120 Amarones tasted I went back to the best and tasted through their whole range. The result was we shipped two of their Amarones, the Ripasso and the white Bianco di Custoza. Located exactly between Verona and Lake Garda, Valpolicella mineral soil is rich in limestone. The Mediterranean climate influenced by the breezes coming from the lake nearby and an ideal South-Southwest exposure combine with skillful and passionate work in the vineyards and with the appassimento technique to produce their extraordinary Amarone and Ripasso. And don’t forget the Bianco di Custoza which was voted Favourite Wine in our Lockdown Zoom Wine Tastings. The Estate is now in the hands of Alberto and his parents Luciana and Luigi. A mere twenty minutes from Verona and in the middle of their vineyards their holiday accommodation is also wonderful. We now stay there every Vinitaly.

A wine that can be enjoyed on its own, but also perfect with grilled red meats, goulash, game or mature cheeses. Serve at 18°C (64°F), opening the bottle two hours beforehand.