Mauro Rossi' Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

'Mauro Rossi' Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2008 is a red from Villa Canestrari in the Val d'Illasi, east of Verona in the Veneto. It is made from dried Corvina Veronese, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes, fermented with a long maceration and aged in oak, then in bottle. Expect a powerful, warm wine with dark fruit and spice, at 15% alcohol. Serve it with braised beef, game or a sharp, well-aged cheese. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

Villa Canestrari is a family winery in the Val d'Illasi, east of Verona. In 1888 Carlo Bonuzzi, who owned many vineyards in the valley, finished winemaking school at Conegliano and began bottling the family's wines. Today Francesco Bonuzzi and Adriana Franchi lead the estate, which keeps a wine museum honouring four generations of growers.

The vineyards

The vines grow in the hills of the Val d'Illasi, around Colognola ai Colli and Illasi, where the limestone soils of Valpolicella meet the volcanic soils of Soave. The varied microclimates let the estate match each grape to the right site.

How it's made

The grapes are crushed and destemmed, then fermented at controlled temperature with a long maceration. The wine ages in oak barrels before resting in bottle.

How it tastes

A powerful, warm red made from dried grapes. Dark fruit and spice lead from nose to palate.

How to serve it

Serve at 16 to 18°C with grilled or braised meat in sauce, game and very mature, sharp cheeses.