Amarone della Valpolicella, now one of Italy's most important red wines, is actually the result of the evolution of Recioto, a pleasantly sweet red passito wine. In fact, in the past, only Recioto was produced. Amarone is, in fact, a relatively modern wine, which only began to be marketed in the 1950s. The first Amarone di Santa Sofia was created in 1964 by Giancarlo Begnoni. The wine offered here is an Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico, produced exclusively with grapes from the historic area of the appellation. The Santa Sofia vineyards are located on stony hills in the municipalities of Negrar, Fumane, San Pietro in Cariano and Marano, all north of Verona. Corvina and Corvinone are the main varieties (about 70%), with Rondinella grapes completing the blend. After harvesting, the bunches, delicately handled by expert operators, undergo a slow drying process for a period ranging from 90 to 120 days. Deep ruby red, almost impenetrable, with garnet reflections, this spectacular Veronese red wine has a bouquet that is both strong and delicate, with refined hints of ripe cherries, dark currants and prunes. There are also soft hints of milk chocolate, rhubarb and balsamic notes of mentholated tobacco. An extremely refined, harmonious and elegant bouquet. On the palate, it is pleasantly juicy, with a pleasant tannic texture. The alcoholic warmth is well balanced by an invigorating citrus freshness. An important wine, but easy to drink at the same time. Amarone requires important dishes, such as hare salmì, stews and beef braised in red wine. Obviously, it is the ingredient of the most classic of risottos, where it manages to be both an ingredient and a perfect accompaniment.