The Veneto is one of the Italian regions producing some of the richest and best known wines in the world.
Two of these wines are Amarone and Recioto della Valpolicella.
One of the key steps in making Amarone is the drying of the grapes on straw mats under special conditions for a period of about 120 days after collection.
This process called raisining, concentrates the flavors and aromas, as well as the sugar in the grapes. The higher proportion of sugar in the grapes, the higher resulting alcohol content. Usually 15% or higher in Amarone.

Recioto della Valpolicella wine, starts life pretty much the same way, although the grapes may remain longer on the straw mats for even higher concentration.
The main difference however, is that the fermentation process is stopped before all the sugar in the wine is converted to alcohol. At the right time, the wine is subjected to a temperature cold enough to kill the yeasts that convert the sugar into alcohol.
This process leaves just the right amount of residual to balance the alcohol, usually about 13٪

Obviously quality varies among producers, but a good Amarone will be a revelation, and an excellent Recioto will leave you literally speechless with its unexpected richness and intensity. If you are not familiar with Recioto you will likely be puzzled about the sweetness and acidity underlying powerful aromas and taste of sun-baked ripe fruit that feels like a jolt of flavor in your mouth, and I swear some of you might feel your legs wobble.

I recently spoke to Dennis, the owner of Tenuta Lenotti while tasting some wines at Whole Foods. His wines are delicious and show the care and effort behind the producer.
He assures his Amarone and Recioto will be available at Whole Foods soon.

 

Cantine Lenotti Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico $50

Intense aromas of ripe fruit mirrored on the palate with a good amount of acidity and velvety tannins.
Amarone will pair very well with roasts and Game but also pairs beautifully with chunks of Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese.

 

 

 

Cantine Lenotti Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG Classico $40 for 500ml.

Wonderfully intense with a great balance of acidity and sweetness. Excellent after dinner or with dessert. Or, pair a small glass of Recioto della Valpolicella with some good quality dark chocolate. And remember a little goes a long way.

 

Salute!