In the glass
Aroma: dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, dark chocolate, dried herb, leather
Palate: dried plum, tobacco leaf, cedar, espresso, dark cherry, spice
The Nicolis family's Amarone from the Villa Girardi estate in San Pietro in Cariano reflects a traditional, large-cask aged style with tobacco-leather character and solid structure; consistent quality across multiple vintages.
What it pairs with
-
Brasato al Amarone con polenta gialla
The classic Veronese pairing; Nicolis's tobacco-cedar notes reinforce the Amarone-braised beef dish. -
Aged Asiago d'Allevo
Local Lessini mountain cheese complements the wine's dried-fruit complexity.
How to serve Nicolis 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 al Amarone con polenta gialla, Aged Asiago d'Allevo. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Nicolis family has farmed the Villa Girardi estate since 1951 and began Amarone production in the mid-1960s. Their traditional approach with large Slavonian casks produces a wine that reflects the appellation's classic tobacco-dried fruit character.
- 1951 — Nicolis family acquires Villa Girardi estate in San Pietro in Cariano
- 1965 — First Nicolis Amarone Classico commercial bottling
Facts
- Producer
- Nicolis Angelo e Figli
- Grapes
- Corvina (65%), Corvinone (25%), Rondinella (5%), Molinara (5%)
- Classification
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
- Oak
- Aged 3 years in large Slavonian oak casks
- ABV
- 15.0%
- Price
- €50-80 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1965
Frequently asked about Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
What does Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico taste like?
On the nose, dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, dark chocolate, dried herb. On the palate, dried plum, tobacco leaf, cedar, espresso, dark cherry. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. The Nicolis family's Amarone from the Villa Girardi estate in San Pietro in Cariano reflects a traditional, large-cask aged style with tobacco-leather character and solid structure; consistent quality across multiple vintages.
When should I drink Nicolis 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 Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
Brasato al Amarone con polenta gialla is the canonical pairing; Aged Asiago d'Allevo is the other strong match. The classic Veronese pairing; Nicolis's tobacco-cedar notes reinforce the Amarone-braised beef dish.
What grapes are in Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
The blend is Corvina (65%), Corvinone (25%), Rondinella (5%), Molinara (5%). The wine is classified as Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG.