When the next record-breaking snowstorm rattles the windows, this is the exact bottle of Amarone you’ll want to have standing by for a pleasurable thaw-out. In a category where many wines lean toward over-extraction and port-like intensity, the Mazzi family’s single-vineyard "Punta di Villa" captures a rare, soulful elegance that only comes from deep roots and high-altitude precision. These vineyards are perched at significant elevations in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone, where limestone-rich soils impart a distinctive fragrance and finesse that elevates this Amarone far beyond sheer muscle power.
The secret to this complexity lies in the traditional appassimento process, a unique "Wine 101" lesson in the extreme concentration required to produce world-class Amarone. After a meticulous hand-harvest, the grapes dry until January, losing over 50% of their total weight. This dramatic reduction of the must means it takes double the amount of fruit to produce a single bottle of Amarone compared to standard winemaking. If this labor-intensive, low-yield method—which essentially "shrinks" the vintage into its most potent form—were applied to the premier crus of Barolo, Montalcino, or the valley floor of Napa, you would easily be shelling out hundreds of dollars per bottle.
With an extra few years of bottle age, this 2018 has reached a peak state of integration where the French oak and powerful fruit have melded into something truly seamless. For the discerning fan of the category, a 60- to 90-minute decant alongside some aged Parmigiano-Reggiano is all that is required to unlock its warming, fuzzy potential. You won't find a better price in the nation on a single-vineyard benchmark of this caliber—especially with our multiple-bottle discount.
Secure your share of this "Negraresi" legacy and be prepared for whatever the winter forecast throws your way.
Molte Graize!
Tasting Note: Deep ruby and immensely fragrant, this soulful Amarone balances rich notes of cherry liqueur, sweet spice, and dark chocolate with high-altitude elegance, delivering a structured palate of fig and cranberry that has been perfectly softened by extended bottle age.
