Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Verona, Italy will be the site of Anteprima Amarone 2013 January 28th through 30th, three days dedicated to tasting the just-released vintage of this voluptuous red wine.
The event is organized by the Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Valpolicella, an association that includes viticulturists, winemakers and bottlers from the Valpolicella wine production region, a territory that embraces 19 municipalities in the Verona area. It represents over 80% of the producers that use the "Valpolicella" designation and creates initiatives to promote, enhance and increase awareness of the wines and the area. It also works to protect the trademark and viticulture in the Valpolicella wine production area to protect and defend the designation.
Produced near the Austrian border in Northeast Italy, Amarone is made from Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and sometimes Negrara. With its headier alcohol and Port-like mouthfeel, Amarone can stand up to strong cheeses like Parmegiano Reggiano, Ubriaco all’Amarone and blues like Gorgonzola and Erborinato Veja. Flavor characteristics of bitter dark chocolate, dried fig and mocha are a natural pairing with braised beef short ribs and polenta, as well as hearty stews.
This year's Anteprima Amarone addresses three audiences: media on Saturday, enthusiasts on Sunday and industry on Monday. In addition to the 2013 vintage, 78 participating wineries will also present some of their older vintages. This year marks the first ever Anteprima Amarone industry-dedicated day, and a brand new wine glass will also debut. In addition to the opportunity to taste 150 wines, journalists will receive a digital press kit which will include research on the U.S. market, vintage notes, Valpolicella tourism statistics and an update on the “Reduce Respect Retrench” protocol. Experts and heads of the Consortium will also be on hand for interviews. A dedicated room with sommelier service as well a discussion of the authenticity and identity of a great wine led by journalist, actor and writer Andrea Scanzi and contemporary art historian Phillippe D'Averio are part of Saturday's 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. press event.
Another Wine Blog will be attending this year's event as well as visiting a number of wineries, including those of Zonin, the gracious hosts from our visit to Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily as well as Banfi, our generous Recipe for Success and Raise a Glass to CIS donors.
The Sunday event for enthusiasts is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the ticket price of 30 Euros, which includes booth tastings of the 2013 and older vintages of Amarone, as well as local delicacies prepared by Ristorante Nicolis restaurant, and confectionary specialities by Pasticceria Perbellini.
Monday is set aside for those in the industry, to provide them the opportunity to taste wine and talk business with the Amarone producers. Tickets for trade professionals are 25 Euros online, in advance and 30 Euros during the exhibition. To purchase tickets online in advance, please do so before January 26 at 11 p.m. here.
Sponsors of the event include AGSM (Agenzia Generale dei Servizi Municipalizzati), ATV, Banco Popolare, Faberest, Grafiche Valpolicella, Idea Grandimpianti, Stipa SpA, VDglass and Volkswagen Group Italia SpA.
We look forward to sharing our experience with you upon return to the States.
