($35):  Light and fresh, Le Cesolina is just what you want with Valpolicella.  Don’t misinterpret the light and fresh moniker to mean vapid.  Not at all.  Though this juicy red wine weighs in at a mere 12.5 percent stated alcohol, it delivers plenty of enjoyment with juicy red cherry-like flavors. … Read more

($19, SM USA):  In my opinion, CampoFiorin was Masi’s greatest gift to the world of wine.  Basically, Masi created a wine with more oomph and character than Valpolicella, but without the weight and massive profile of Amarone.  In short, a mini-Amarone that’s approachable now. … Read more

($61, SM USA):  Masi’s Costasera Amarone is a big — 15 percent stated alcohol — bold, wintertime wine.  Amarone is made using only dried grapes, in contrast to their CampoFiorin, which leads to a higher finished alcohol and more power.  There is a hint of sweetness in the finish that balances the wine’s intensity. … Read more

($17, SM USA):  Masi, one of the leading Valpolicella/Amarone producers, makes a wonderful range of wines.  Made from the usual Valpolicella grapes, Corvina, Rolindella, and Molinara, Masi’s mid-weight Bonacosta, their “regular” (though there’s nothing regular about it) Valpolicella Classico delivers juicy bright cherry flavors. … Read more

($19, SM USA):  In my opinion, CampoFiorin was Masi’s greatest gift to the world of wine.  Basically, Masi created a wine with more oomph and character than Valpolicella, but without the weight and massive profile of Amarone.  In short, a mini-Amarone that’s approachable now. … Read more

($61, SM USA):  Masi’s Costasera Amarone is a big — 15 percent stated alcohol—bold, wintertime wine.  Amarone is made using only dried grapes, in contrast to their CampoFiorin, which leads to a higher finished alcohol and more power.  There is a hint of sweetness in the finish that balances the wine’s intensity. … Read more

($35, Vinifera):  Brigaldara, a family-owned estate since the early 20th century, is one of the leading lights in Valpolicella.  The make a stunning array of wines linked by a gracefulness that belies their power.  Take this Valpolicella Superiore.  It shows a mixture of red and black fruit flavors, but with a healthy dose of savory, non-fruity ones — spices and herbs — that add tremendous intrigue. … Read more

($210, Vinifera):  This decade-old Amarone has developed beautifully and demonstrates the rewards of aging.  I suspect Brigaldara’s 2016 Case Vecie Amarone will develop along these lines, which is why I suggest cellaring it.  This 2012 Amarone leads with dazzling aromatics.  Then, additional complexity — mature flavors along with fresh and dried dark fruit ones — emerges. … Read more

($75, Vinifera):  Weighing in at 16.5 percent stated alcohol, this broad-shouldered wine is remarkably elegant.  Indeed, it’s the elegance you notice, not the power, although that’s hard to ignore.  As much as I liked Brigladara’s Valpolicella Classico Casa Vecie, their Amarone just conveys more complexity — a mix of fresh and dried fruit — and power without sacrificing gracefulness. … Read more

($70, Vinifera):  Brigaldara’a Cavolo Amarone display darker fruit flavors and more weight than their straight Amarone, yet maintains their signature elegance and balance.  The 16.0 percent stated alcohol is integrated effortlessly into the flavors and weight.  There’s no heat or raisiny flavors here, just purity. … Read more

($120, Vinifera):  Despite an extra year of bottle age, Brigaldara’s 2016 Amarone “Case Vecie” is far more youthful than any of their 2017s, showing a more tannic structure.  Layers of dark dried and fresh fruit notes along with haunting minerality and their hallmark elegance are all still apparent. … Read more