Founded by Romano Dal Forno in 1983 in the Illasi valley, outside the Classico zone. Tiny production, extremely low yields and very long maceration produce arguably the most powerful Amarone in the region.
Tasting: By appointment only; private estate visit at Cellore d'Illasi.
Signature wines: dal-forno-amarone-valpolicella, dal-forno-valpolicella-superiore
The Castagnedi brothers established Tenuta Sant'Antonio in 1989 in the Mezzane valley east of the Classico zone. Their Campo dei Gigli Amarone from Oseleta and Corvina is a benchmark for the sub-zone style.
Tasting: Estate tasting visits by appointment at Mezzane di Sotto; full range of Valpolicella and Amarone poured.
Signature wines: tenuta-santantonio-amarone-campo-dei-gigli, tenuta-santantonio-valpolicella-superiore
Marinella Camerani's biodynamic estate in the Mezzane valley has been Demeter-certified since 2003. The Mithas Amarone and Soraigo Valpolicella are made with minimal intervention and long ageing in large oak.
Tasting: Estate visits and tastings by appointment at Mezzane di Sotto; biodynamic vineyard tours available.
Signature wines: corte-santalda-amarone-mithas, corte-santalda-soraigo