2019 Tommaso Bussola Amarone

The 2019 Tommaso Bussola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a rich, powerful red wine from Veneto, Italy. This vintage is highly regarded for its balance of bold intensity and refreshing acidity, resulting from a near-perfect growing season.

The wine, of garnet-russet hue, is slightly sweet, warm, robust, full, harmonious, velvety with a most satisfying touch of bitterness.

• Nose: Intense aromas of dried black cherries, plums, and figs, with complex secondary notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, coffee grounds, and earthy clay.
• Palate: Full-bodied and velvety with a touch of sweetness (approx. 10g/L residual sugar). Expect layers of savory herbs, orange zest, and cocoa beans.
• Finish: Long and savory with firm but ripe tannins and persistent notes of licorice and almonds.
• Aging: Aged for 48 months in a mix of 500L tonneaux, 225L barriques, and larger barrels.

• Braised Meats: Its velvety tannins and rich fruit profile make it a "match made in heaven" for braised short ribs served over creamy polenta.
• Game: Robust game meats like venison, wild boar stew, or pheasant with truffles. 
• Osso Buco, Risotto or pasta with a rich duck or wild boar ragu.
• Eggplant Parmesan is a standout non-meat option that complements the wine's earthy and savory notes. 
• Aged Cheeses: Saltier, hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano,  Pecorino di Fossa, or Monte Veronese help cut through the wine's richness.
• Blue Cheeses: For a bolder contrast, try a mature Gorgonzola or Stilton, as the salt and creaminess highlight the wine's dark fruit and cocoa flavors.

• Dark Chocolate: Bitter dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) or chocolate-based desserts that aren't overly sweet can echo the wine's natural cocoa and tobacco notes.
• Meditation: Because of its complexity, many connoisseurs also enjoy it as a "meditation wine," sipped slowly on its own after a meal.

Year: 2019
Origin: Italy
Varietal: Amarone - Red (35% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara.)