Cielo Centenero Amarone della Valpolicella 2018

Rated 95 points by Roman-born Luca Maroni, Italy's leading wine critic. The author of the "Guida dei Vini Italiani", Maroni created Italy's first wine newsletter, was a famed sommelier in Italy, and since 2000 has been Vinitaly's leading consultant. He tasted and approved this classic Amarone, made by the Cielo Family, who first began producing wines in the Veneto Region in 1908. Great-grandpa Giovanni fell in love with a small estate overlooking the Romeo and Juliet and started to make the family's wines. Over the last two decades, the fourth generation has adopted a vision to ensure that premium winemaking, sustainability and longevity for future generations is at the core of their decision-making. Well-known throughout Europe for their quality wines at affordable prices, Cielo will be renowned in the USA next! Since 2020 Cielo has had the B-Corp sustainable certification, entering a global movement that aims to spread a new and more evolved business model, rewarding the sustainable practices of the company. In 2022 the family also joined VIVA, the specification of the Ministry of Ecological Transition for measuring the sustainability performance of the vine-wine supply-chain. 

The grapes for this Amarone Classico are selected and naturally dried for approximately 3 months. The wine is then blended and fermented in stainless steel tanks for 30 days to achieve the highest concentration. Aged in oak for 18 months and then bottle-aged for 12 months, this has flavors of ruby red fruit, vanilla and a touch of black pepper. Long-lasting, velvety finish with soft tannins. Pairs with all types of lamb, grilled beef and game.  

A Blend of Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella. 15% ABV.