2009 Amarone Costa delle Corone Wins 2025 Winemag Award

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Discover the award-winning 2009 Costa delle Corone Amarone, a rich Italian wine with a 96/100 score, perfect for pairing with game and aged cheeses.

The Excellence of Amarone: A Deep Dive into Costa delle Corone 2009

Amarone della Valpolicella is a wine that embodies the rich heritage of Italian viticulture. The 2009 Costa delle Corone from Monteci has recently garnered the prestigious "Vecchia annata" award from Winemag 2025. Scoring an impressive 96/100, this wine stands out for its vitality and precision, even after 15 years.

The Monteci winery, located in Pescantina, Verona, has crafted this wine to reflect the unique terroir of the Valpolicella Classica region. The vineyard, known for its inaccessibility, produces grapes that are the essence of the Monteci identity. The blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes creates a complex flavor profile that captivates wine enthusiasts.

The Winemaking Process: A Labor of Love

The creation of Amarone is a meticulous process that begins with the careful selection of grapes. After harvesting, the grapes undergo a drying process, known as appassimento, lasting about five months. This technique concentrates the flavors and sugars, resulting in a rich and robust wine.

Following the drying, the grapes are crushed, and the must is left in contact with the skins for 30 days. This step enhances the wine’s color and tannin structure. The fermentation process occurs in both steel tanks and oak barrels, allowing for a harmonious blend of flavors.

Finally, the wine is aged in large oak barrels for 60 months, developing its complexity and depth. Bottling occurs after a minimum of five years, ensuring that each bottle is a true representation of the vintage.

Pairing Perfection: What to Enjoy with Amarone

Amarone is not just a wine; it is an experience that pairs beautifully with various dishes. Its robust character complements rich meats, making it an excellent choice for game or braised dishes.

Consider serving Amarone with:

• Wild game: The wine’s depth enhances the flavors of venison or pheasant.
• Braised meats: Dishes like "pastissada" di cavallo are perfect companions.
• Aged cheeses: The wine’s acidity balances the richness of aged or spicy cheeses.
• Risotto: A risotto made with Amarone itself can elevate the dining experience.

In conclusion, Amarone della Valpolicella 2009 Costa delle Corone is a remarkable wine that showcases the artistry of Italian winemaking. Its accolades and flavor profile make it a must-try for any wine lover. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a sumptuous meal, this wine promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Photo by Bill Williams on Unsplash

Source: WineMag – Wine – Amarone 2009 Costa delle Corone, Monteci: premio speciale Vecchia annata Guida Winemag 2025