Tenuta Chevalier, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019

Type: Amarone della Valpolicella

Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella

Where to Buy + How Much: Specialty Wine Shop + Well Stocked Groceries ($55 as of November 2025)

This Amarone from Tenuta Chevalier comes from the Classico zone of Valpolicella (Italy), where the style has its deepest roots. Amarone is made from grapes that are dried before fermentation, which concentrates flavor and texture. The result is a wine that is richer and more intense than everyday reds, but this bottling keeps things surprisingly composed rather than heavy-handed.

Aroma: What am I smelling and why?

The aromas lean dark and warm. Dried cherry and raisin come first, followed by plum and a touch of cocoa. You may also notice hints of sweet spice, like cinnamon or clove, and a faint note of leather. These scents come from both the dried grapes and time spent aging, which softens the fruit and adds savory depth.

Palate: What am I tasting and why?

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but smooth. Flavors of dried cherry and blackberry lead, with touches of dark chocolate and coffee underneath. The texture is dense, almost velvety, thanks to the concentrated grapes. The acidity is lower than in lighter reds, but it is enough to keep the wine from feeling flat. Alcohol is noticeable, which is typical for Amarone, and it adds warmth rather than sharpness when the wine is balanced like this.

Preference: Who is this wine not for?

If you prefer light, fresh reds or wines with crisp acidity, this will feel too rich. Drinkers who are sensitive to higher alcohol may find it overwhelming. It is also not a casual, pop-and-pour bottle for quick sipping. This wine asks you to slow down.

Enjoy: How and with what?

Serve it slightly cooler than room temperature, around 60 to 65°F. This helps keep the alcohol in check and lets the flavors show more clearly. It pairs best with hearty foods like braised beef, lamb, or aged cheeses. It also works well as a slow, after-dinner wine when dessert is not on the table and conversation is meant to linger. This is a bottle for evenings when you want the wine to feel like part of the occasion, not just something in your glass.