Introduction
The 2016 Monte Faustino Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG from Veneto, Italy, is a bold and luxurious wine that embodies the richness and depth of the Amarone style. Known for their traditional winemaking techniques, Monte Faustino creates Amarone wines with intense complexity, showcasing dried fruit, spice, and a velvety texture. This Amarone is ideal for special occasions and pairs well with hearty dishes or can be enjoyed as a wine for contemplative sipping.

Terrior
The Valpolicella Classico region in Veneto provides ideal conditions for Amarone production, with its hilly terrain, warm days, and cool nights. The region’s limestone and clay soils enhance the grape’s concentration, while the dry air in the autumn months supports the traditional drying process (appassimento) used to create Amarone wines. This terroir-driven process results in Amarone’s characteristic depth and complexity.

Appearance
Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, showcasing maturity and concentration.

Nose
The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of dried cherry, plum, and fig, complemented by notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and sweet spices like cinnamon and clove. Hints of tobacco, leather, and earth add depth, reflecting the wine’s extended aging and traditional Amarone style.

Palate
On the palate, this Amarone is full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture. Flavors of dried black fruit, blackberry, and raisin are balanced by nuances of cocoa, licorice, and a hint of espresso. The wine’s tannins are firm yet well-integrated, while a lively acidity adds freshness to balance the wine’s intense fruit and structure.

Finish
The finish is long, warm, and complex, with lingering notes of dried fruit, spice, and a subtle mineral edge, leaving a refined and memorable impression.

Overall Impression
The 2016 Monte Faustino Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a powerful and elegant wine that captures the essence of Amarone’s bold character. Its balance of fruit, spice, and structure makes it an excellent pairing for braised meats, aged cheeses, or rich pasta dishes, while its complexity also makes it a wonderful wine for aging.

Published Awards and Recognition
Gold Medal, Italian Red Wine Awards 2023

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 15.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, with a focus on low-intervention practices and soil health. Monte Faustino uses traditional methods in the vineyard, with hand-harvesting and careful selection of grapes for the appassimento drying process.

Producer Name: Monte Faustino
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto
Grape Varietals: Primarily Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella
Vintage: 2016
Wine Style: Dry Red (Amarone)
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional appassimento (grape drying) process, with extended aging in oak barrels to enhance complexity and texture
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork