L'Arco Vini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2021

L’Arco is an exciting project led by a serious young winemaker named Luca Fedrigo. Protege of legendary Amarone producer, Giuseppe Quintarelli

Fedrigo’s philosophy revolves around respecting nature by nourishing the land, practicing organic, abstaining from herbicides or pesticides entirely since 2004, and employing natural pest control methods. Within the winery, chemicals are omitted, with only minimal additions of SO2 in the wine where necessary. Luca does almost everything himself, both in the vineyard and in the winery, with assistance from just a handful of employees.

To make this Amarone wine, the best grape clusters are carefully selected during the harvest and dried on racks for about 90 to 100 days. During this drying process, the grapes lose 30% to 40% of their water weight, which concentrates the sugars and flavor. Additionally, noble rot develops on the grapes, a crucial element in giving the future Amarone its distinctive character. After drying, the grapes are pressed, and after a few days of skin maceration, fermented for about 45 days. The wine is then transferred to stainless steel tank for before aging for four years in Slavonian oak barrels.

An exuberant nose of prunes and forest undergrowth, complemented by notes of tar, smoke, exotic spices, and subtle hints of dried herbs. The palate is rich, complex, and layered, with fine tannins balanced by lively acidity and sweet black fruit. The finish is long and inviting.