Woodman Wines & Spirits presents three classic wines from Allegrini…
The story of Italy’s Allegrini family could make for a riveting miniseries. Three young adults are left with an historic Veneto-based winery after the untimely passing of the family patriarch and winemaker in 1983. Ambitious but inexperienced, the trio were forced to sink or swim, and swim they did: beyond all expectations.
By the mid-2000s Allegrini’s sales had climbed to 30 million euros from around 100,000 back in 1983. The family now owned three wineries – the original one in the Veneto plus two in Tuscany. They continued invest and improve; expanding production, refining techniques, and growing their international reputation and sales base, largely due to the seemingly boundless energy and drive of Marilisa – one of the three siblings who took the reins in 1983.
Though its Tuscan bottlings have proven to be phenomenally successful, it is the Veneto-based flagships that are most synonymous with the Allegrini name, in particular, its stunning Amarone.
The big sister of the popular Valpolicella (made with the same indigenous grape varieties, but dried to increase concentration prior to fermentation), Amarone is a wine that stylistically is something of a gentle giant. When made properly, it is both extraordinarily rich and intense yet at the same time supple and velvety. We are extremely pleased to be able to offer the following duo that aptly fit the profile.
Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2016
$118.99/btl, 6 bottles per case, Consignment
Winemaker Franco Allegrini is a meticulous organic farmer in the vineyard, and a purist in the winery. He pioneered new grape drying techniques that help avoid oxidation (the bane of many Amarone he grew up with) and aims for elegant balance in his wines as opposed to simply overt power and oak influence.
“Full of dark-fruit intensity – plum and cassis – the wine is layered with dark chocolate, black liquorice and a toasty finish with cherry notes. Velvety and extracted, it’s thick on the palate due to its youthful character. Great potential to age with superb natural acidity from the higher vineyard of the estate above Villa della Torre, balancing its richness of fruit and full body. Drink 2021-2040.” Score – 96 (Decanter, May 2021).
This is an icon wine that perennially demonstrates its excellence with Tre Bicchieri scores. Once again, in 2021, it has been rated the best Amarone by Italian wine guides. As reported by the magazine Civiltà Del Bere, it is the only Amarone to have obtained the highest possible recognition by 5 out of the 6 main national guides.
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Corte Giara by Allegrini ‘La Groletta’
Amarone della Valpolicella 2017 DOCG
$49.95/btl, VINTAGES #86124
With the Corte Giara range of wines, Allegrini works with select growers to introduce wines that offer exceptional value and retain the quality Allegrini is famous for.
This bottling has enticing hints of cherries and pepper on the nose enhanced by subtle nuances of aromatic herbs. Dry and well-balanced with rich, dried black fruit and cherry compote, enhanced with a touch of leather, tobacco and black pepper that segue to a warm, generous, supple palate, with layers of dense, ripe fruit.
While Amarone is often referred to as a “meditation wine” (i.e., to be served on its own, typically after dinner), wines of this style can work with a range of dishes. Allegrini suggests pairing with braised meats, wild game, aged cheeses and even European lobster in tomato sauce.
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Allegrini Valpolicella Classico DOC 2019
$24.95/btl, 6 bottles per case, Consignment
More than just the base material for Amarone, this gorgeous expression of Corvina and Rondinella is a snapshot of the breathtaking, sub-alpine climate of the Veneto. An aromatic knockout with beautifully expressive black cherry, anise and herbs. Balanced, fresh and exceptional with usual Mediterranean fare: antipasti, soups, pasta Bolognese, grilled white meats and fish.
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