In the glass
Aroma: dried cherry, dark plum, tobacco, chocolate, dried fig
Palate: intense dark fruit, bitter chocolate, espresso, spice, full structure
Guerrieri Rizzardi's Amarone expresses the Classico zone from an estate with over 350 years of Valpolicella history. The extended appassimento (drying) of Corvina and Corvinone grapes concentrates flavour into a wine of great intensity. Three years in Slavonian botti soften the tannins while preserving the dried-fruit character.
What it pairs with
-
Brasato all'Amarone (beef braised in Amarone)
The classic regional pairing: using the same wine in the sauce as in the glass. -
Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano
The wine's tannic structure and dried fruit character are amplified by the crystalline salt of aged Parmesan. -
Dark chocolate fondant
The chocolate and espresso notes in Amarone create a natural affinity with dark chocolate desserts.
How to serve Guerrieri Rizzardi Villa Rizzardi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 12-14°C. Cellar temperature (12-14°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour) , the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Brasato all'Amarone (beef braised in Amarone), Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, Dark chocolate fondant. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Although the Guerrieri Rizzardi estate dates from 1649, the modern Amarone label was established in the late 1960s when Amarone became commercially recognised. Villa Rizzardi Amarone is produced from the estate's Valpolicella Classico vineyards, where grapes undergo traditional appassimento for 90-120 days before pressing.
- 1968 — Guerrieri Rizzardi begins commercial Amarone production under the Villa Rizzardi label.
- 2009 — Amarone della Valpolicella elevated to DOCG from DOC.
Facts
- Producer
- Guerrieri Rizzardi
- Grapes
- Corvina (65%), Corvinone (20%), Rondinella (15%)
- Classification
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
- Oak
- 3 years in large Slavonian oak botti
- ABV
- 15.5%
- Price
- EUR 45-70 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1968
Frequently asked about Guerrieri Rizzardi Villa Rizzardi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
What does Guerrieri Rizzardi Villa Rizzardi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico taste like?
On the nose, dried cherry, dark plum, tobacco, chocolate, dried fig. On the palate, intense dark fruit, bitter chocolate, espresso, spice, full structure. Structurally full-bodied, high tannins, high acidity with a very long and dry finish. Guerrieri Rizzardi's Amarone expresses the Classico zone from an estate with over 350 years of Valpolicella history. The extended appassimento (drying) of Corvina and Corvinone grapes concentrates flavour into a wine of great intensity. Three years in Slavonian botti soften the tannins while preserving the dried-fruit character.
When should I drink Guerrieri Rizzardi Villa Rizzardi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
Drink 8-25 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Guerrieri Rizzardi Villa Rizzardi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
Brasato all'Amarone (beef braised in Amarone) is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and Dark chocolate fondant. The classic regional pairing: using the same wine in the sauce as in the glass.
What grapes are in Guerrieri Rizzardi Villa Rizzardi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
The blend is Corvina (65%), Corvinone (20%), Rondinella (15%). The wine is classified as Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG.