Introduction: The 2018 Balerìn Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG is a powerful, richly concentrated expression of one of Italy's most celebrated appellations. Produced by Balerìn under the stewardship of Gustinvest Srl, this certified organic Amarone is crafted from Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes grown at 400 meters above sea level in the Veneto hills north of Verona. The wine is made using the traditional appassimento method — grapes dried on wooden racks for 100 days before fermentation — yielding a wine of exceptional structure, depth, and character. The 2018 vintage delivered a warm, balanced growing season across Valpolicella, producing grapes of outstanding ripeness and concentration.

Terroir: The Balerìn vineyards sit at 400 meters above sea level in the Valpolicella appellation of the Veneto, northeast Italy. The region's soils are a mosaic of limestone, calcareous marl, and clay, promoting mineral tension and structural precision. A continental climate, moderated by proximity to Lake Garda and the natural ventilation of the hillside valleys, delivers warm days and cool nights — conditions that support both aromatic ripeness and the preservation of natural acidity. This altitude and diurnal range are key to the wine's defining mineral character and its freshness relative to lower-elevation Amarone expressions.

Appearance: Deep garnet, nearly opaque at the core, transitioning to ruby and light brick at the rim. Viscous, slow-moving tears coat the glass, signaling both concentration and elevated alcohol. Clear and luminous throughout.

Nose: Intense and complex, leading with dried black cherry, morello cherry, and plum — classic hallmarks of the appassimento process. Dark chocolate, roasted espresso, dried tobacco, and warm cinnamon spice layer in behind the fruit. With time in the glass, earthy notes of black truffle, tar (goudron), and dried violet emerge, adding depth and tertiary intrigue.

Palate: Full-bodied and richly textured, with a generous entry of concentrated dried dark fruit. Tannins are firm and well-structured, softening progressively into a velvety, plush mid-palate. Acidity is lively and precise, providing essential backbone and balance to the wine's considerable weight. Notes of dark spice, bitter chocolate, and iron-driven minerality build across the palate. Dry, highly extracted, and beautifully integrated — power and finesse in equal measure.

Finish: Long and persistent, with dried cherry, tobacco, bitter dark chocolate, and mineral notes lingering well after the last sip. A characteristic Amarone bittersweet quality and a whisper of anise mark the close. Tannins remain present but resolved, suggesting strong aging potential through 2035 and beyond.

Food Pairings:

🥩 Meat: Braised beef short ribs, slow-roasted lamb, or Venetian-style wild boar (cinghiale)

🥦 Vegetarian: Risotto all'Amarone, wild mushroom polenta, or roasted portobello with truffle oil

🧀 Charcuterie Board: Aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Monte Veronese Stagionato, bresaola, dark-chocolate-dipped figs, and toasted walnuts

Overall Impression: The 2018 Balerìn Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG delivers everything the appellation promises — dried dark fruit, minerality, structure, and extraordinary length — with the added integrity of certified organic farming and high-altitude hillside terroir. The 2018 vintage's warm, balanced growing season contributes exceptional ripeness and concentration, while Balerìn's 400-meter elevation and limestone-marl soils ensure the wine never loses its precision or freshness. Decant for 60–90 minutes and serve alongside richly braised red meats or an aged cheese board for a complete expression of this iconic Italian style.

Alcohol by Volume: (ABV %): 15.5
Farming Practices: Certified Organic
Producer Name: Balerìn (Gustinvest Srl)
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Veneto — Valpolicella
Grape Varietals: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Vintage: 2018
Wine Style: Full-bodied dry red
Winemaking Techniques: Appassimento (100-day grape drying on traditional wooden racks); fermentation of dried must; extended oak aging
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Sources:
Gustinvest Srl Balerìn Producer Profile
Decanter – Valpolicella Wine Region Guide Consorzio Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Production Regulations