GRAPPA DI AMARONE, Allegrini (50cl bottle)

Fumane, 20km north east of Verona in the Valpolicella Classico hills, 180-280m above sea level.

The Amarone is made from 80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta; after fermentation the marc of those grapes is distilled, and then cut with water to reach a ‘drinkable’ level of 43%; and then aged in oak barrels for year.

The Allegrini family have 90 hectares of vineyard in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area. Family-run for many generations, they are the benchmark for quality in the area.

The oak ageing really mellows the normally fierce and aggressive character of classic grappa. And of course, being from Allegrini, it wouldn’t be on the market unless it was exceptional of its kind.