Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva “Mater” 2017
Falstaff 93Wine Enthusiast 89
Wine Description
Mater is Domini Veneti's Amarone Riserva, the bottling the cooperative holds back for extended aging. Under the appellation's rules a Riserva must mature at least four years before release, and Mater takes the traditional route there: Corvina led bunches dried through the autumn in the fruttaio, a long slow fermentation to dryness, then years in wooden casks and bottle.
The extra time shows. Dried black cherry and prune move toward tobacco, leather, cocoa and balsamic spice, with dense but polished tannins and a long, warm finish. The 2017 is entering its best years and will hold for many more. It asks for food of equal weight: brasato or another wine braised beef, roast game, pastissada de caval, or a plate of aged Monte Veronese at the end of dinner. Decant it for an hour and serve at 18 °C in large glasses, and give the last pour time to breathe.
Winery
Domini Veneti is the premium label of Cantina Valpolicella Negrar, a growers' cooperative founded in 1933 in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica. The cellar holds a special place in Amarone history: in 1936 a cask of Recioto that fermented fully dry produced an early example of the style that later carried the region's name around the world. Launched in 1989, the Domini Veneti line draws on members' best plots around Negrar and the Classica hills, with site selections such as Or'Jago and Pruviniano alongside classic Amarone, Ripasso and Valpolicella.
Quick tool, nothing is sent
Shipping cost calculator
See what shipping costs to your country.
