I hope that you’re having a great day, because I sure am. As you read this, I’m in Italy — my second favourite country on Earth. I’m here in Verona (in the country’s northern province of Veneto) for Vinitaly — one of the world’s largest wine shows and, for the next few days, the home of just about every major Italian winemaker.
Romeo and Juliet got their groove on in Verona, and the city’s surrounding grape growing regions of Soave, Bardolino and, of course, Valpolicella are some of the most famous and familiar in Europe.
Of the zillion things to love about Italy, the relaxed pace is close to the top of my list, and there isn’t a wine that goes better with doing nothing than Amarone. Made in Valpolicella from dried grapes, it’s called the conversation wine because it’s a rich, full-bodied sipper (which can be dry or sweet) that goes better with some cheese and a chat than it does with a major meal.
Masi’s 2005 Costasera Amarone Classico ($37.95 – $49.99) typifying the full-figured, raisin-infused drier styles, with Cantina di Negrar’s 2005 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($34.95 – $40.99) balancing a similar depth with more of a plum influence.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces.
