2016 Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 

Tasting note

Keep in mind that this style of wine is not universally admired but for those who do like it, this is a stunner . Opened an hour before and double decanted, very little sediment. Medium intensity deep ruby. Loads of legs. Very complex nose which changed and developed in the glass. Morello cherry, plum, raspberry . Spice, mace, clove. Hint of chocolate . Cedar. Vanilla . Someone said “frangipan” and that sat with this wine being incredibly moreish. Initial blast of sweet fruit on the palate which then fades and the taste becomes quite complex. Good acidity and the tannins were very smooth. Long finish . Great wine!

93 by Wine Spectator

More than seventy years of quality and tradition with an eye always on the future and innovation. This is the key to Allegrini's all-Italian success, which has made it a recognized and appreciated reality in the international chemical and cosmetic scene. We are in the post-war period when Italy is crossed by a strong need for change and a great proactive spirit. Carlo Allegrini, together with his sons Giacomo and Giuseppe, founded Allegrini: a bleach manufacturer based in Villa d'Almè, in the province of Bergamo. Allegrini patents the innovative resealable bleach packaging, designed by Giacomo Allegrini, which opens the doors of large-scale distribution to the company. These are the years in which a happy Italy is told, the years of economic growth and the Dolce Vita. It was precisely in such a happy period in the history of our country that Allegrini achieved its first successes: In 1965 she was awarded the silver medal at the 14th International Inventors' Exhibition in Brussels for the creation of plastic curbstones; In 1969, Allegrini was the first Italian company to produce biodegradable detergents.

THE '80S: THE TURNING POINT

Allegrini becomes a S.p.A. and moves from Villa d'Almè to its current headquarters in Grassobbio, in the province of Bergamo. On the occasion of the company's fortieth anniversary, the new company logo is also presented, accompanied by the pay-off "Chemistry for the environment" that will distinguish the entire history of Allegrini.

Amarone is one of Italy’s most celebrated wines. Hailing from the Valpolicella region, it’s made from Corvina grapes that have been partially dried before crushing. This makes for concentrated dried-cherry aromas and a distinctly rich, powerful wine. Allegrini’s version, made in the heart of the prestigious Vapolicella Classico sub-region, strikes a happy balance between modernity and tradition. Expect intense notes of ripe dark fruit and spice. Try it with a fillet steak or Italian-style braised beef stew. Amarone is one of Italy’s most celebrated wines. Hailing from the Valpolicella region, it’s made from Corvina grapes that have been partially dried before crushing. This makes for concentrated dried-cherry aromas and a distinctly rich, powerful wine. Allegrini’s version, made in the heart of the prestigious Vapolicella Classico sub-region, strikes a happy balance between modernity and tradition.

It was 1983 when, at a young age, Franco Allegrini took up the legacy of his father Giovanni, starting to personally take care of the oenological management of Allegrini, the family business, introducing with his brother Walter important innovations in the vineyards such as the all-round experimentation of the Corvina grape, the most significant variety of Valpolicella, made in purity in the La Poja cru, "cult" wine of the winery. He had done so, with great enthusiasm, moved by the authentic passion for his land, Valpolicella, which he carried in his heart. And his brilliant intuitions in the field of viticulture and oenology have led his company, run with his sister Marilisa Allegrini and the entire territory, towards an innovative path shared with a group of producer friends that has materialized with the construction of the "Terre di Fumane" Drying Center. Here, thanks to his ideas, supported by the technical-scientific research of Professor Roberto Ferrarini, the optimal conditions for the conservation of the grapes destined for Amarone and Recioto have been created to guarantee high quality standards. Today Franco Allegrini has left us, a great innovative winemaker, who wrote the history of Valpolicella Classica and Amarone, of which he will forever be a symbol.

 "A dear friend leaves us, with whom I lived some of the most beautiful moments I have spent, far and wide, in Italian vineyards, and in Valpolicella in particular, learning thanks to his authority and great experience viticultural and oenological aspects of which, as a passionate experimenter, he was a true innovator - recalls the director of WineNews, Alessandro Regoli - above all, even in the many convivial occasions in which we tasted the wines, what involved me was the passion for the territory that he transmitted to me and made him a special person because, beyond the aspects of image and marketing, it was aimed at the vineyard, and at the ability of each vineyard in Valpolicella to be able to express the best of itself. When you start losing people and personalities with whom the confrontation has always been rich and stimulating, a part of your life also goes away."

With generosity, Franco Allegrini loved to put his knowledge at the disposal of colleagues he respected. For his joviality, irony and for his stimulating reflections during the numerous tasting experiences, he has been appreciated by the world of international wine, helping to make Amarone known as one of the most important Italian reds, and the great wines of Valpolicella. He is mourned by his historic family, the collaborators of Allegrini and the many wine lovers who knew and appreciated him for his products and his innovative spirit. A witty, curious and direct man who will be missed. His legacy will be carried on by his sons Francesco, Giovanni and Matteo Allegrini.

Marilisa Allegrini, the first Italian wine producer on the cover of "Wine Spectator".