2018 Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella

The Dal Forno family has been making wine since 1983.

Located in Val D'Illasi, the estate consists of 65 acres of

vines planted to traditional indigenous varieties of Corvina,

Corvinone, Rodinella, Oseleta, and Croatina.

 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 'Monte Lodoletta' differs

from the Valpolicella Superiore DOC 'Monte Lodoletta' in

three key ways. First, its drying period lasts three months

rather than one and a half. Second, following company

philosophy, Amarone uses only grapes from vineyards over

ten years old. Third, the grapes come from the estate's

most premium vineyards, selected for their superior soil

and climate conditions. Apart from these distinctions, both

wines share similar production and maturation methods.

 However, Amarone stands apart from its younger sibling

with its greater power and elegance. It demonstrates

superior complexity, depth, and persistence.

 The estate vineyards and farm are located where the 

slopes begin to rise toward the mountains and sit 1,000 feet

above sea level.

 The 2018 vintage was rainy yet balanced. It began with a

mild January and above-average temperatures until late

February brought a cold snap (-6/-8°C), delaying budding

by 25 days. Spring temperatures were moderate, and

summer maintained normal temperatures with ideal day

night variations. Heavy rainfall from May through July

posed challenges for disease management but caused

no damage. August's heat helped dry the accumulated

moisture, though a significant September storm (150mm

rain in 20 minutes) raised concerns about vintage quality.

 Though rain interrupted the harvest multiple times, the

vines—supported by a decade of soil management work—

 responded well. The 2018 vintage ultimately delivered both

quantity and quality, proving resilient through challenging

weather conditions.

 In temperature-controlled steel tanks (around 28 degrees),

equipped with a sophisticated computerized  system that

allows automatic punching-down over a period of around

15 days, including the final two days  of maceration.

 TASTING NOTES

 Complex aromas of black cherries, blueberries, and

chocolate hint at the luxurious ripe fruit that unfolds

on the palate with remarkable persistence. The finish

reveals delicate notes of truffle, tobacco, and new leather.

This wine's impressive depth suggests significant aging

potential, promising a long evolution ahead.