Fasoli Gino Amarone Alteo (75cl)

Amarone is known across the globe as the wine of excellence from the Verona region and Alteo has been Fasoli Gino’s flagship wine since the 1990s. What distinguishes Amarone from other red wines is the fact that the grapes are dried over the winter prior to pressing. The grapes for this wine are harvested and then left to to dry for five to six months before fermentation, at least three years aging in French oak and then bottling. As you’d expect, the drying process concentrates the aromatics and flavours even further and what you end up with in your glass is a delicious, mouth-filling wine with a list of flavours that go on and on and on. Soaked prunes, dried figs, blackcurrant, liquorice, leather, spice, caramel… and that’s just for starters. Exemplary winemaking, this is a vinous luxury that can be stored for years to come, or enjoyed now with a full-flavoured dish. Stunning.

Can be cellared excellently for 10-15 years from vintage

• 93 Points – JamesSuckling.com (2012 vintage)
• Gold Medal – International Organic Wine Awards 2018 (2011 vintage)

Located in the Soave, Valpolicella and Amarone region of Verona, Italy, Fasoli Gino was founded back in 1925 by Amadio Fasoli. It was then a fruit and vegetable farm that made some wine for local Veronese bars. Fasoli Gino turned to organic viticulture in 1980 and since 1984 all of their land has been farmed organically. Since 2006 the family have also been practising Demeter-certified biodynamics. The business is currently headed by Matteo Fasoli, the third generation to hold the reins here. They continue to apply know-how passed down over generations alongside modern techniques to ensure we produce consistently high-quality wines. Today they use this organic-biodynamic approach as it restores the balance that already exists in nature. By reinforcing the plants and revitalising the soils it encourages the biodiversity the vines need. The Fasoli family are committed to treating their land with the utmost care to ensure its health for future generations. The nature of the land (partly clay and partly a mix of stones and sand), and the favourable microclimate (the wide and sunny valley, protected from the north by the Lessini mountains) make the area particularly suitable for vine growing. Currently the estate cultivates 14 hectares of vineyards divided into seven parts, with the type of land varying from one plot to another. Some of their wines are named after plots they come from, such as Orgno and Calle. The type of land in each plot has helped determine which varieties should be planted. In the clay soil there are 30–40-year-old Garganega vines, traditionally used for Soave wine. Where the soil is stony and sandy, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir have been planted. This estate is known for its fantastic organic Soave, Valpolicella, Merlot and Amarone wines.