Domini Veneti Cru Mater Amarone DOCG Riserva 2012

This deep red wine comes from the Jago vineyard with optimal characteristics. Amarone Riserva Mater is a wine par excellence that reflects the close relationship with Mother Nature, as depicted in the label by the artist Gianni Burato. It has a fullbodied and softly elegant flavour, with a nose that recalls dried fruit. At the table it is a wonderful ally of braised and refined dishes, and best expresses itself with aged cheeses as well. Uncork it to enliven conversation and lighten spirits. Serve at 18 -19 °C, and success is guaranteed.

THE VINEYARD Located in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica area, in the hamlet of Jago on dry terraces . Altitude from 200 to 250 metres above sea level. Southeast exposure. Soil type: very varied, sometimes clayey, sometimes limestone, over alluvial debris. Vineyard grassing. Training system: Veronese pergoletta. Age of producing vines: 15-25 years. Load of buds per vinestock: 16/18. Planting density: 3,300/3,500 vines per hectare. Average yield per hectare: 20 hl.

PRODUCTION Harvest: end of September, first ten days of October with exclusively hand-picked selection. Drying in drying rooms known as “fruttaio” for 130 days. Crushing with de-stemming of the grapes. Fermentation temperature from 12 to 23 °C. Maceration for 35 days, 15 of which cold. Manual punching-down three times a day. Complete malolactic fermentation. Aged in wood, then in bottles. Stabilisation: natural.

VINTAGE 2012 The year ranged from very good to optimal, with moments of excellence, strength and depth; however, the vintage did not have the average aromatic wealth of 2011. A distinctive feature was the vintage’s climatic trend, which successfully managed to highlight the different characteristics of the production areas. A very warm vintage with great notes of aromatic concentration and expression, a high degree of softness with nonaggressive tannins, hints of ripe black fruit with light floral and jam notes, resulting in a powerful but at the same time complex and elegant wine.