Vineyards and winemaking
This Riserva comes from Corvina, Rondinella and other traditional Valpolicella grapes grown around Fumane in the Classico zone. Limestone-influenced hillside soils, careful bunch selection and low yields provide the concentration required for appassimento while retaining the acidity that supports long maturation.
After harvest, the grapes were dried until the end of the year to concentrate their sugars, aromas and structure. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by 40 months in oak and at least 12 months in bottle before release, giving this 2011 both depth and substantial time to integrate.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Dense garnet red, shading gently towards brick at the rim.
Nose
Dried black cherry, blackberry and plum are joined by tobacco, espresso and star anise. Leather, balsamic herbs and a trace of dark chocolate reveal the wine’s mature, savoury development.
Palate
Powerful but now more settled, with concentrated dried fruit wrapped in firm, increasingly polished tannins. Coffee, liquorice and warm spice build across the palate, balanced by fresh acidity and a long, dry-leaning finish.
Food pairing
Serve with braised venison, beef short rib with celeriac, hare ragù, or an aged Montgomery Cheddar. For a meat-free pairing, choose roasted squash with chestnuts, sage and a deeply reduced mushroom sauce.
Background story
Corteforte’s home in Fumane began as a fortified property in the early 1400s and later evolved into a noble residence. Carlo Maria Cerutti established the modern wine estate in 1989, using its extensive underground cellars to give a very small production the prolonged ageing he considered essential.
The Riserva designation calls for longer maturation than standard Amarone, and this 2011 has developed further in bottle. Individual bottles may vary with storage: stand upright before opening, decant carefully if sediment is present and allow air gradually. Serve at around 16–18°C.
