Essential Prà Morandina Amarone Della Valpolicella Easy Returns [S5AFoXwt]

An Amarone of unusual grace, purity and elegance - with sublime aromas and a powerful, complex palate.

A ripe, open and spicy nose with aromas of wild cherry, plums and dried herbs. Firm, ripe tannins on the palate lead to flavours of bitter cherry, spice and tarry, liquorice notes too. The finish is complex and long, further opening to reveal dried orange peel, and ripe red fruit characters backed by a hint of mocha. A fine and distinctive style of Amarone capable of further development in bottle.

Graziano followed his father and grandfather into the wine business, studying oenonlogy, and taking over the family winery in the early 1980s. He bottled his first Soave vintage in 1983. Graziano now also produces red wines from his La Morandina estate in Valpolicella, and his reputation continues to grow. However, for many, his name is still synonymous with Soave - where he is regarded as one of a handful of world class producers who have revitalised the region.

After searching for the right site, Graziano Pra began the new millennium by fulfilling his long term ambition and purchasing a 13 hectare vineyard near Mezzane in eastern Valpolicella. At 450m altitude, the steep glacial slopes of poor, rocky yellow marl soil produce meagre crops and the cool nights ensure a long ripening period. No chemical treatments are used. The grapes (Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseletta) are dried in a fruttaio (drying room) for 2 months. Grapes are macerated and fermented for 15 days in stainless steel vats. Delestage is followed by malo-lactic fermentation in 1/3 in Allier barriques and the rest in 5hl tonneaux for 2 years.

Serve with mature, strong cheeses or well-hung beef or game.