Santa Sofia Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Gioe 2003

From one of the most prestigious DOC regions in Veneto, the Valpolicella, the Begnoni family produces this fantastic Amarone by drying the grapes for 90 to 120 days, aging for 36 months in Slovenian oak and then 12 months in Allier oak, and finally 8-12 months in bottle, the blend is 65% Corvina, 30% Rondinella and 5% Molinara with 15% alcohol.

Vibrant ruby red in the glass showing powerful aromas woven with black cherries, floral accents and vanilla laid over spicy smoked dried fruits and licorice, nicely balanced, cherry pie and chocolate lingering on a velvety finish.

Sampled this at Vino 2010 Italian Wine Week at the Waldorf Astoria.

Cantina Valpantena Torre del Falasco Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2007

A blend of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella from Verona with a 10 day maceration time, the second fermentation on Amarone Torre del Falasco marc and aged in oak casks.

Ruby red colors, aromas of cola and vanilla, wild berries licorice and chocolate on the palate with a ripe, smooth silkiness and alcohol content of 13.50 %. This drinks like a $30 bottle of wine, being a super value at around $15 at The Wine Room of Forest Hills.