Pours you 
fresh impressions

A new tour de force is uniting Amarone fans and opposers

How a little-known family is winning the hearts and wine competitions of Europe —  Now In US

By Tony Margiotta, author
New York City
September 20, 2023

Verona, Italy - the cultural center of the Amarone world

VERONA, ITALY — Most people have no idea. While Italians sip wines at an outdoor cafe…and the sound of violins sing through the air.

As tourists walk under Roman arches…and snap shots of statues…there’s a mountain of priceless stone right under their feet. 

Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone della Valpolicella

And just a few miles away, this stone turns grapes into one of the world’s most valued wines: Amarone della Valpolicella. 

What you’re about to discover might shock you.

Even if you don’t like Amarone, this concerns you too. 

Made in Italy for who? 

Since 1980 the “Made in Italy” label on Italian goods has been a symbol of quality. Respected and admired throughout the world. 

But today the question is: 

“Made in Italy for who?” 

Some people believe that many Italian wines like Amarone are made for the U.S. while the good stuff stays in Italy. 

Take a look at these facts…

70% of all Amarone is exported to global markets according to The Valpolicella Consortium Report. 

The remaining 30% stays in Italy. 

If you were to make friends with Italian locals in the Valpolicella they’d take you to vineyards you never knew existed. 

That’s the remaining 30% of Amarone that stays in Italy.

Does wine taste better in Italy?

Have you ever been to Italy? Does the wine taste better there? 

Most people would scream yes! 

Imagine taking a vacation in the Valpolicella of Northern Italy. Sipping on luxurious red wines like Ripasso and Amarone. Even the house wine at the restaurants tastes better than what you find back home. 

That’s the remaining 30% that stays in Italy. 

Which begs the question: What are the Italians drinking? And why is it so good? 

To answer that we have to first look at what’s leaving Italy.  

8 out of 10 Amarone bottles in your neighborhood wine shop are made by the biggest companies in the Valpolicella according the Consortium Annual Report. 

Mass-producers are pumping out millions of Amarone bottles for the American market. These are factory-made wines, altered in the cellar like surgery. 

And the American consumer is gobbling them up. 

Which country consumes the most Amarone? 

The Consortium data shows it’s The United States. 

The US market is spilling-over in buckets of mass-produced Amarone. Over 16 Million bottles a year. 

So what are the Italians drinking instead? 
Tasting Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone in Valpolicella, Italy

Taste Like locals in Italy

The remaining 30% of Amarone that stays in Italy are made by small family estates. Their wines rarely make it to the US for two reasons. 

1. They don’t make enough Amarone to satisfy large populations.
2. They simply don’t have the funds to advertise.

But don’t let this discourage you because some of them DO make it to US shores. 

I don’t know about you, but I’d take an Amarone recommendation from a local who lives in the Valpolicella, who knows the area, who knows the different wineries, before I take a tip from a wine magazine.  

Why Is the Wine Media Silent? 

In the Valpolicella, one small winery is becoming the talk of the town. 

In the beginning it was just the locals drinking their wines. Then Italians from nearby regions were swarming to the estate for the Ugolini Experience. Now even American tourists are starting to flock to this winery for a tasting. 

Their Amarone has never been written about in any of the leading wine magazines in the US. So they are practically unknown. 

And yet, their Amarone single vineyard is conquering wine competitions in Europe. 

Gold medals awarded to the Ugolini Family Estate.

From Local Secret To Conquering Hero

The Ugolini Amarone 2011 won Gold Medals at the Concours Mondial in Brussels. It received 92 Points at the Gilbert & Gaillard panel in France. It got a Gold Medal at the Mundus Vini competition in Germany. And awarded 91 Points from Falstaff International in Austria.

The Amarone 2012 won gold medals AGAIN in both France and Germany even though there were climate challenges that year. 

Their Amarone 2013 was in the Top 100 Wines Of Italy at the Merano Wine Hunter Competition. This is the olympics of Italian wine. Each wine is decanted two hours before a blind tasting in a transparent setting. 

Once a local Italian secret that turned into a European phenomenon. And now a small batch of Ugolini wines are available in the US. 
What They're saying about Ugolini Amarone
Vivino is the most popular wine app in the world. Wine lovers can scan a bottle of wine and write their own review. 

Below you'll see what Vivino users are saying about the Ugolini Amarone. 

Source: https://www.vivino.com/US-NY/en/tenute-ugolini-amarone-della-valpolicella-valle-alta/w/5373220

After seeing the Vivino reviews written by everyday wine lovers, one thing is clear. The Ugolini Amarone is one of the best they've ever tasted. 

But it's also unlike any Amarone they've ever tasted before. 

So much so that it’s uniting Amarone fans and wine lovers who don’t like Amarone. It’s bringing together the new world and old world. And it’s changing the way they all taste and enjoy wine! 

And there are many reasons for that which I’ll share with you in a bit. 

Ugolini "San Michele" Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2015 with Risotto all'Amarone

Feels Like You're In Italy

It’s finally quiet time with your Ugolini Amarone.

Holding the heavy bottle in your hands feels powerful. That’s because the bottle is made of custom Venetian glass. 3 lbs and 5 oz and just under 30 inches tall, 10.6 inches in diameter.

The label reads 2011. You never would have stored the wine that long. But the Amarone was aged 10 years in the estate cellar. So you didn’t have to wait years for the right time. 

The label also reads Bottle Number 33 of 3,233. Each bottle of Ugolini Amarone is individually numbered for two reasons. 

Quality assurance. And to tell you how many bottles were made that year. 3,233 bottles handcrafted is a tiny drop in the wine world. 

You pop the cork and turn it over to smell the stained side. Red cherry and tobacco cause your head to nod with approval. 

The sound of red wine flooding your balloon glass fills you with anticipation. The main grape in Amarone is Corvina and its true color is a transparent ruby red. You dim the lights and the ruby red wine radiates like a watchtower at sea. 

You sit down on the sofa and you can already smell the aromas exploding from the glass. Scents that seduce and fascinate you. You deserve such a rewarding wine for all your hard work. 

The aromas come from the Valle Alta single vineyard. It’s 850 feet above sea level. The warm breeze from Lake Garda and the cool winds of The Alps naturally build aromatics in the grapes. 

You take a tiny first sip to be cautious. And the Amarone coats your palate. It’s very welcoming and warm. A cherry flavor you could only find outside the city walls of Verona, Italy—where some of the most scrumptious cherries are grown in the world. They’re called “Amarena.” 

Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone 2012 - 3,233 bottles handcrafted

From amarena to white pepper, from cacao to cigar leaf, and from vanilla to minerality. This complex Amarone is a rollercoaster of flavors with feelings. 

The flavors come from a high concentration of polyphenols which create complexity in the wine. That antioxidant combo comes from hot days and cool nights called “Thermal Excursions.” Again, a natural way of creating a complex wine. 

The body fills your mouth with fullness. Not bulky or heavy. Muscular but defined like the finest Michelangelo sculptures. 

The velvety textures massage your taste buds. And they melt your troubles away. The textural layers come from appassimento: an ancient craft of air-drying the grapes. 

The smoothness is slippery. So sip slowly. After aging in custom French barrique and large oak casks for 3 years, the Amarone speeds through your mouth like a Lamborghini. Make sure you have a license to imbibe. 

As you take one sip after another, the wine changes. Like the Amarone is alive and it’s speaking to you. It has something new to tell you. It resonates with you. 

The Ugolini Amarone is made to last. Already aged 10 years in the estate cellar. The wine is in the prime of its life. There’s no need to wait. 

The reason for 10 years was to allow the high levels of acidity to soften. Once the softness is just right, the Amarone turns into a multi-sense experience. It hits so many touch points in your mouth it feels like a massage. 

But of course, you should keep extra bottles on your rack because tasting this Amarone WHILE it's aging is one of the most fascinating parts of the Ugolini experience. 

Evolving With Your Amarone

And you don’t want to miss a drop of change.

Following the life of this Amarone as it evolves in the bottle means you’ll evolve along with it. With time comes wisdom. 

And you can enjoy the precious notes of this wine for the next 20 years and more. This single vineyard cru has the stamina to age for 30 years. 

That means years of sensuous tastings to come. That means you’ll love the Ugolini Amarone even more because you knew it at a young age and how it matured along the way. 

There’s an epic story in this bottle. And in the next 5 minutes you’ll discover the details. And the insights you’ll gather from this story will unlock the gates to a new world of wine tasting for you. The connoisseur within you will have awakened! 

Ugolini Family Estate - Valpolicella, Italy

They’ll Think You Were In Italy

Your Ugolini Amarone has been decanting for four hours. 

Everyone just sat down at the table. With two hands you pour the gorgeous liquid into crystal glass. Oven-roasted lamb shank and potatoes with rosemary are served. 

The “ting” sound echoes around the room from a joyous toast. Suddenly the room goes silent. The Amarone is traveling through the palates of your guests. They look like statues while you wait for their reaction. 

Then the “ooo-ing” and “ah-ing” hums like a symphony in unison. They’ll ask if you’ve been to Italy recently. The Ugolini Amarone Experience is different from a normal night of wine and good company. 

The applause is long as every person compliments your good taste in wine. The decanter is getting empty fast. And the conversations are going faster. Everyone’s eyes glow with fascination as you tell the epic story behind the Ugolini Amarone.  

Pours A Quality-Of-Life Onto Your Palate

Whether you want to self-indulge or share fine wine with the important people in your life, the Ugolini Amarone pours a quality-of-life onto your palate. 

You might be saying to yourself. “This sounds too good to be true.” 

Well, it wasn’t always that way. 

In fact, it took 25 years of struggle to get here. So before we deep dive into the secrets of this Amarone you need to hear the backstory. 

It’s a story that’s bigger than wine itself. 

And I think no one could tell the story better than the owner himself: 

Giambattista Ugolini. 

Giambattista Ugolini - Owner of Ugolini Family Estate

The Wine That Took 25 Years To Make

A Letter From Giambattista Ugolini

September 19, 2023
San Pietro in Cariano, Italy

Dear Wine Lover, 

25 years ago I ripped my father’s vines out of the ground. He passed away unexpectedly and I became responsible for my family’s vineyards. 

My father Angelo Ugolini was a grape grower in the Valpolicella of Northern Italy. He used to sell his grapes to the big wine houses to make Amarone, Ripasso, and the other Valpolicella wines. 

I decided it was time for the family to make its own wine. But we had some challenges. My father’s vines were cultivated the industrial way. We used synthetic chemicals to control the vineyard. 

Because of poor farming, the vine roots were only a few centimeters below ground. This was bad because the soil temperatures near the ground are not cold enough to withstand disease. And they weren’t deep enough to create quality grapes for fine wine. 

I felt horrible tearing up my father’s vines after he left us. All the work he put into it. It’s sad to say but his methods were doing damage to our vines and land. 

He wasn’t alone. Everyone in the region was doing the same thing. 
I began reading 19th century texts about vineyard cultivation. The growers already knew everything back then and passed the knowledge down to us. The problem is that we as humans are always seeking new ways to innovate. And sometimes for the worse. 

Homeopathic Vineyards Are Now Called Organic

So I decided to follow the natural homeopathic style of cultivation.  

The first step was tearing out the vines and starting from scratch. It was a tough call because we couldn’t make wine for 14 years. Everyone in the region thought I was crazy. But I was the first producer to go “organic” in 1996. Some called me the first “terroirist” in the Valpolicella. 

We became spectators in the vineyard instead of interventionists. I sat in the vineyard all day observing what was going on. I kept a journal for my records. 

We introduced earthworms to the vineyards. Earthworms are the pioneers of soil. They dig a pathway for the roots to follow them deep into the soils. 

The deeper the vine, the deeper the wine. 

I decided to create a cru system. Where each vineyard produced its own single vineyard wine. We have 5 different wines with different terrains and microclimates. That way the wine expresses charisma and detail.  

After many years of hard work and sacrifice our family was able to purchase a 12th century building and restored it into a tasting space. It was likely built by the San Zeno Monks. In the medieval ages, monks were the most advanced winemakers. And they took quality to never-tasted-before levels. 

We renamed the building Villa San Michele after the historical and spiritual protector of the Catholic Faith. And in our own little way, we the Ugolini family act as the physical protectors of The Valpolicella. To protect nature, the history, and the integrity of our land so future generations can enjoy special wines.  

Valle Alta Amarone

I planted our first Amarone vines over 20 years ago in the Valle Alta vineyard. 2010 was our first single vineyard vintage. And the wine sold out quickly. 2011 and 2012 were special years due to the climate. And so I decided to age those vintages for 10 years in our estate cellar. 

Now that we’ve released Valle Alta 2011, I look back and say to myself “wow, it took 25 years of work and patience to make this wine.” From the first planting in 1996 to the release from the cellar in 2021. 

Amarone is an evolutionary wine. It can age and develop for decades in the bottle. For me it’s always been a tragedy watching other wineries releasing their Amarone’s too young. Most people never get to taste the magic of Amarone unless they age it in their own cellars. 

So I decided to age the wine for you. So you don’t have to wait. So you can enjoy now and continue to enjoy while it’s aging. These wines are in the prime of their life and only now can you enjoy the evolution of Amarone. 

If you’ll be in Italy someday, come give us a visit. Until then, please enjoy our wines. Many people say our wines make them feel like they’ve already been to our vineyards. 

To your dreams, 
Giambattista Ugolini
Giambattista Ugolini was awarded knighthood by the Republic of Italy for his work in restoring the historic Valpolicella. 

Knight of the Vine:

A Life Safeguarding History, Tradition, and Authenticity

Giambattista Ugolini was awarded knighthood by the Republic of Italy. 

This great honor was for dedicating the past 30 years restoring and preserving the historic Valpolicella in Veneto. 

The Valpolicella is probably the most important wine region in Italy. There are two reasons for that. 

1. Amarone is one of the world’s greatest wines without dispute. 
2. The Valpolicella (where Amarone comes from) is one of the longest and most documented wine regions in the history of wine spanning back 3,000 years. 

Amarone is the only fine wine in the world whose origins can be traced back to ancient times. 

It’s the only one. Barolo doesn’t have that length of history. Neither does Brunello di Montalcino. And neither does Bordeaux or Burgundy. 

Villa San Michele - 12th Century Structure built by wine-guru monks. The Ugolini Family maintains its wine traditions today.

The House That Wine Gurus Built

In the medieval ages, the monks were the most advanced winemakers of the time. And their contributions to fine wine can still be felt today. They traveled to France and Northern Italy for spiritual reasons, but they also refined wine to never-tasted-before levels. 

The San Zeno monks built a house in The Valpolicella in the 12th century. It was used for farming and winemaking. In the 19th Century the Austrians used it as a home for its military officers during its reign. And once Italy became a unified nation, an olive farmer took over the house. 

Today the Ugolini Family owns this historical structure. They renamed it Villa San Michele after its spiritual protector Michael the Archangel of the Catholic Faith. 

Today Villa San Michele is a tasting space for wine lovers to taste the finest wines while enjoying picturesque views of The Valpolicella. 

Inside there is priceless art and sculptures produced by Italy’s finest artists. 

Giambattista believes in protecting “the great works of humankind.” And so Villa San Michele is not just a place to taste good wine but it’s a historic gem that rises above The Valpolicella to protect its creative works. 

This restoration project took decades of work. 

"Marogne" ancient stone walls that protect the vineyards - Ugolini San Michele single vineyard - Valpolicella, Italy

The Original Solar Panels

The stone walls that surround Villa San Michele are called Marogne. Built by the Romans 2,000 years ago, Giambattista had them restored by the finest stone masons in Italy. 

The Marogne act as natural solar panels from the ancient world. And they served two functions:

1. To protect the priceless vineyards from washing away by rain
2. The stone walls collected heat from the sun which keeps the soils warm and healthy

With this project, the landscape and vineyards are protected so that future generations may enjoy its rich history. 

Do you remember how I mentioned earlier about a precious stone that turns grapes into Amarone? 

Well, this is the Rosetta Stone of Amarone. A key ingredient that separates the good wine from the great wine. And you’ll never see its name on a bottle of Amarone…

Prun Stone also known as "fossil marl" soil is a key ingredient for the Ugolini wines. 

Extinct World Trapped In This Bottle

300 million-year-old soil. Rich in rare minerals. At 850 feet above sea level. And 1 vineyard hanging on a ridge.

When you see the ground of the Ugolini Amarone vineyard, many think it’s made of marble. But it’s not. 

It could be the most valuable soil in Western Europe. 

But very few even know of its existence yet. 

Even leading wine experts in the U.S. have no idea. 

Because…well..who ever thought of looking for vineyards made of Dead Sea Shells?

The rare rock locals are walking on everyday is called Prun Stone. And it’s made of dead sea shells that dropped to the bottom of the sea and fossilized over 300 million years ago. It’s also called “fossil marl.” 

The precious Prun Stone built a wall of arches surrounding the beautiful city of Verona, Italy. 

“The Arena,” a real replica of the Roman Coliseum is made entirely of Prun Stone. 

And the Roman legions fought and died for the prun stone vineyards in the Valpolicella of Italy some 2,500 years ago. 

Ugolini "Valle Alta" Single Vineyard for Amarone - hanging on a ridge for dear life. 

The value of this precious stone can’t be calculated. 

What we do know is that vineyards with Prun Stone soils give birth to Amarone wines that can age at least 30 years in your cellar. So you can enjoy it WHILE it ages for a lifetime. 

Prun Stone also creates a detailed wine with minerality giving Amarone a sophisticated feel which can’t be duplicated. 

And Prun Stone makes an easy-to-drink Amarone with finesse, elegance, and freshness. 

But very few Amarone wines are coming from prune stone soils. 

Once a local secret, the Ugolini Family Estate is cultivating vineyards with precious Prun Stone underneath. They’re winning wine competitions all over Europe. The value of their wines are skyrocketing. And the last batch of 618 bottles of Amarone just arrived in the US. 

But the Prun Stone soil is just one tiny ingredient from a family recipe. The real secret to the Ugolini Amarone is what I call the “Creation Cru Concept.” 

And once you discover its secrets and taste their wines it’ll change the way you enjoy wine forever. Your affair with fine wine will grow deeper. And your new knowledge will make you a master storyteller at the table. 

Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone della Valpolicella 2012 - Created in Italy

Created In Italy

Years ago, the Ugolini wines had this phrase written on their bottles: 

Creato in Italia. 

Created in Italy. 

The idea didn't catch on and since then they stopped putting it on the labels. 

But it made an impression on me. 

It makes you wonder why they didn’t put “Made in Italy” or "Product of Italy" like everyone else does. 

It took me years to realize it but it finally hit me. 

The only way to get it is by doing two things:

1. Taste their wines.
2. Know their story. 

The Ugolini Family recipe for Amarone is unlike anything I’ve ever come across. 

I call it the Creative Cru Concept. 

An artist creates a painting. She doesn’t make a painting. 

A sculptor creates a statue. He doesn’t make a statue. 

And the Ugolini Family creates wine. They don’t make wine. 

There’s a philosophical difference. 

The Creation Cru Concept comes from the combination of 3 ideas:

1. Single vineyard in the ideal location with prun stone soils. 
2. Cru system of hand-selecting the finest clusters in the vineyard
3. Crafting a wine that stands the test of time like a creative work

Earth, science, and art woven together into a wine. 

There’s so much more to it than that. But weaving wine with the creative works of humanity is an amazing blend that impresses. 

The Creative Cru Concept by Ugolini pours you fresh impressions of Amarone and the wines of the Valpolicella. Breathing new life into old wines. Creating long-lasting impressions for you and the people close to you. Impressive wines that refresh you. 

Created in Italy for you. 

What Does Ugolini Amarone Taste Like? 

The Ugolini “Valle Alta” Amarone is a powerful wine but shows restraint. It’s elegant but voluptuous. Fruity but not sweet. It’s dry but clean. Smooth but textured. Strong but detailed. 

Depending on the vintage, the Ugolini Amarone can be bigger than Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello combined. 

What’s interesting is the Ugolini Amarone has the complexity of Bordeaux, the elegance of Burgundy, and the charm of Italian style all in the same wine. 

People who know what a typical Amarone tastes like say this when they taste the Ugolini Amarone: 

“The Ugolini Amarone has a modern style.” 

“It’s unlike any Amarone I’ve ever tasted.”

“This is the Lamborghini of Amarone.” 

Not the things you normally hear when describing Amarone.  

 The complexity of Valle Alta shows itself through aroma, flavor, and texture.

Ugolini Estate Cellar - custom French barrique and large French oak casks

How This Wine Unites The Old World And New World

Let’s start with the flavor. 

The Amarone is fruit-forward with lush red cherry. Some would call it a “modern style.” Which is to say it could fit into the “new world” category if you were blindfolded. 

But it’s the complexity of the mid-palate and finish which returns your tastebuds to the “old world.” 

This weaving back and forth from modern to tradition gives you a ride of the senses.  

The fruitiness dazzles your front palate because of an accurate harvest of the grapes at the perfect moment of maturity. The industrial Amarone are harvesting with machines. And so that’s why the fruit in those wines can feel dull. 

The mid-palate is round and graceful. Dried rose petals and dried forest berries emerge. The wine is transitioning into old world traditions. That’s because Italian wines at their best, pickup the flavors and perfumes of the place where the wine was made. And they can’t be duplicated. 

The finish is strictly terroir-driven. The climax explodes on the back palate showing off this Amarone’s spicier notes of white pepper. 

The ample acidity keeps the wine lively. It’s the secret ingredient which makes Italian wines the most exciting in the world. 

Then there’s the Classic Italian finish. So clean and dry that it begs you to return for another sip. Industrial Amarone tend to finish with a sweetness from the overuse of oak and residual sugar from the grapes. 

The Ugolini Amarone finishes clean, dry, and to the point. Only a tasteful display of custom French barrique and cask and 0.9 grams of residual sugar. Less than 1 gram! The industrial Amarone’s have 4-9 grams. Too much sugar acts as a booster that covers up the actual wine. 

After 4 hours of decanting the Ugolini Amarone explodes with aromas. They blow a breeze of Italian nature your way. Verona is the main city outside of the Valpolicella and its cherries are considered some of the world’s best. What’s fascinating is that somehow the gorgeous perfumes of these cherries emanate from the wine. 

But the aromatics are so much more. If you move your nose around your glass you’ll pickup countless scents like dried roses, dried cherry, dried fig, cigar leaf, and cacao. There’s also an exotic shrubbery in the background that’s almost like sandalwood but brighter. 

The valley air is fresh and reinvigorating. From the crisp air of the pre-Alps to the warm breeze of Lake Garda, this vineyard is at the crossroads of nature’s gifts. 

And not only does fresh air find its way in the aromas of this Amarone, this wine has another effect rarely found in a bottle of fine wine. 

And that is freshness. 

This Amarone Refreshes You

The aromas and flavors have a fresh quality to them as if the wine grapes were pressed yesterday. 

But it’s more than just the wine’s physical qualities. 

Most important of all, this Amarone refreshes you. 

It doesn’t matter which of the Ugolini wines you’re drinking. Whether it’s Valpolicella Superiore or Amarone. The Ugolini wines always give you a feeling of being refreshed. 

Let’s face it. Most red wines can drag you down. Not the Ugolini wines. 

The body is full but chiseled. All the excess fat seems trimmed off. So you can trace the contour and its finessed detail. 

Your palate is coated with layers of texture that arrive like ocean waves. The industrial Amarone are full bodied but heavy. Their thick texture is singular from start to finish. Too much time in oak is like steroids for an athlete. It covers up the talent or hides the lack thereof. 

That’s why many industrial Amarone have a strong oak flavor with lots of sweet vanilla. But what about the grapes? 

The art of aging wine in oak is a very delicate process. If you have high-quality grapes you don’t want to cover them up in oak flavors and text. If you have poor grapes, you’ll need that boost of external flavor. 

Many industrial Amarone have a raisin-like flavor to them. Some people do like that. That comes from the “apassimento” which is the air drying of grapes. A key step in making Amarone. 

But the Ugolini Amarone doesn’t have that dried raisin taste. You’ll get a brilliant dried fig note that brightens the overall taste instead of a dark syrup.

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture regulates the Amarone industry. And even though Amarone must pass strict measures, there’s a big range of quality from one brand to the next. Easy to believe because there are 200 estates and 2,000 grape growers. 

But many wine lovers have come to know Amarone only a certain way. And depending on your point of view, it might be giving the icon a bad rap. 

Ugolini Amarone DOCG authenticity ID - verified by the Italian goverment

3 Things They Say About Amarone…That Aren’t Always True

Whether you’re an Amarone lover or you can’t stand the stuff, there’s one thing most people say when describing Amarone: 

1. “It tastes like dried raisins.” 

Some people love it while others hate it. The dried raisin note comes from the appasimento process of air drying the grapes. And the dried raisin flavor is a sign that the winemaker “over-dried” the grapes. 

The Ugolini Amarone doesn’t have this typical flavor. So if you’re the type of Amarone fan who likes that, this isn’t that Amarone. But you’ll be surprised at the dried fruit notes of fig, cherry, and forest berries that emerge. And it’s this bright combination that’s pleasing to both sides of the aisle. 

Another thing that lots of people say about Amarone is:

2. “It’s too strong.” 

That’s because Amarone has between 16%-17% alcohol. That’s very high for a wine. Some wine lovers like a powerful wine like that while for others it’s a bit much. 

The problem is not how much alcohol. The problem is when the alcohol strength dominates your palate. The secret is “dry extract.” 

If you were to take away the alcohol and water from wine you’d have only “dry extract.” That’s all the fruit, flavors, textures, and aromatics. When you have a high dry-extract you’ve got a good shot at balancing with the high alcohol.

The result? 

The alcohol is “well integrated” and your palate won’t feel it. The Ugolini Amarone is well-integrated because of a large amount of dry extract. 33 grams per liter in this case. 

That means you can enjoy their wine with food. Especially heavier dishes like oven-roasted lamb and hard-aged cheeses. And while the Ugolini Amarone is 16-16.5% alcohol, it provides easy drinking after a nice dinner. Some would call it a miracle among wines. 

3. And finally the third thing Amarone lovers often say is that Amarone “has a touch of sweetness.” While some people aren't fond of that characteristic. 

Many Amarone do have a touch of sweetness because there’s extra residual sugar in the wine. It’s another tool winemakers use to please the international wine scene which tends to favor fruit-bomb wines. 

The Ugolini Amarone is clean and dry. Less than 1 gram of sugar per liter. There is no sweetness because it doesn’t need it. 

There’s so much dried fruit flavors that the sugar would cover its nuanced detail. That would be like Leonardo da Vinci redoing the Mona Lisa by giving it more color. A masterpiece doesn’t need attention-grabbing tricks. 

Every Drop Of Detail Is Handcrafted

Valle Alta is a single vineyard 850 feet above sea level on a steep slope. The breathtaking view has its advantages for making Amarone. The steep slope attracts maximum sun exposure so the grapes fully mature. This gives you ripe fruit that makes your mouth water. 

The slope also allows excess rainwater to drain away from the vineyard. This forces the roots to climb deeper into the soil in search of water. And when the vines struggle they produce higher quality grapes. 

The high elevation enjoys “thermal excursions.” During the day it’s hot in the summer. But at night it’s cold. This back-and-forth of temperature produces more aromatic precursors in the grapes which gives you the most seductive perfumes you’ll ever smell. It also creates more polyphenols in the grapes. The polyphenols give the wine its complexity of flavors. 

The prun stone in the soils help the grapes produce high acidity for aging the wine for decades. But it also gives a mysterious minerality that breathes freshness and detail in the Amarone. No industrial winery in the world can duplicate it. 

The cru system involves a first-pass harvest picking only the finest clusters of grapes. The remaining grapes are sold to the big wine houses. 

Valle Alta is an enchanting Amarone made from a blend of hand-selected grapes like Corvina which exude succulent cherry…the Corvinone dazzles your palate with tingling spices…the Rondinella grape massages your mouthfeel…and Oseleta for structure which gives you a feeling of intensity. 

The grapes undergo appassimento—partially drying the grapes until they lose 50% of their original weight. This adds complexity, intensity, and richness in the Amarone. 

Then another hand-selection of the finest dried clusters are used to make the wine. A cool, brief, and soft press of the grapes ensures only the best material ends up in your wine glass for maximum deliciousness. 

After the cold press and aging in steel vats for 6 months, the wine is aged in custom French barrique and large oak casks for 3 years. When done carefully, the oak gives a finessed texture and touch of vanilla in the backdrop. 

The wine then rests in custom Venetian glass bottles for 7 years while the acidity softens. As it approaches 10 years of aging, the wine arrives at the prime of its life. You can begin enjoying it. 

This is the only single vineyard cru Amarone aged 10 years in the estate cellar in the world. You can start drinking now but also hold onto some bottles. I like opening one every 3-6 months to enjoy Valle Alta while it ages. Become from 10 years onward, the evolution in the bottle develops faster. 

And you don’t want to miss a sip of it. 

The Next Day Test

If you want to get the most out of your Ugolini Amarone you should decant 3-4 hours before serving. 

When you decant this wine, it’s like releasing a giant from the bottle. 

The body gets fuller. The aromatics intensify. The textures soften. The finish lengthens. 

But if you want to know truly how superior this wine is compared to its peers, I have something to share with you. 

Here’s the true test of a great wine. I’d like you to try the “Next Day Test.” 

A truly great wine will continue to breathe and open up over the course of 24 hours. A poorly made wine will fall apart by the next day. And it usually turns to vinegar. 

So here’s what you do. 

Open your Ugolini Amarone at 4pm. Have dinner at 7pm. Drink half the bottle. Don’t finish it. Then you put its original cork back on. As tight as you can get it back in. If you have a wine fridge, put it back inside. If you don’t, put it in a dark cool place overnight. 

The next day pull it out at dinnertime. No need to decant. Just open it when you’re ready to sit down. I guarantee this wine will taste even better the next day. That’s because it will have fully “opened up.” And it will be so soft, full, and silky smooth you’ll feel like you’re in Italy…again. 

Valle Alta Amarone Single Vineyard - The triangular vineyard in the center - 850 feet above sea level

Valle Alta Amarone: 
A "Stairway to Heaven" Vineyard

Valle Alta means High Valley in Italian. It's an Amarone single vineyard that hands on ridge. A micro valley at 850 feet above sea level. When you climb Valle Alta like a stairway to heaven, you're reward with a natural ampietheater overlooking the soul of the Valpolicella. And like a miracle the sites, the smells, and the flavors of this mystical place turn into wine.

Hand-harvested and hand-selected Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes.

Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone 2011 single vineyard cru - bottle number 75 of 3,033

Valle Alta Specification Highlights:

Single Vineyard Name: Valle Alta 2011/2012/2013
Class: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Elevation; 256 meters above sea level
​Soil: prun stone
​Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta
​Harvest method: Hand
​Production: 3,200-19,000 bottles annually
Yield: 60 quintals per hectare
​Residual Sugar: 0.9 g/l
​Alcohol: 16-16.5%
​Refinement: aged in French barrique and large casks for 3 years
​Aging: 7-10 years at estate
​Estate Bottled and Produced
​Organic certified in Italy 
Aging Potential: 25-30 years
Serve in balloon glasses at 15 degrees C

Valpolicella Family of Wines

While Amarone is the most revered wine of the Valpolicella, the region makes others wines such as Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Superiore and Ripasso. 

Each wine is made with a purpose. Unlike other wineries, the Ugolini Family Estate created a single vineyard cru system for each wine. 

So each wine expresses its own charisma which can't be duplicated. The Creation Cru Concept guarantees that each wine is created with the highest expectations. 

You can read about the other single vineyards below. 

Tony Margiotta at Monte Solane Ripasso Vineyard , 1180 ft above sea level - Lake Garda in the background

Monte Solane Ripasso Vineyard:  Welcome to the Museum of Earth

At 1180 feet above sea level in the Valpolicella it feels like you're on top of the world. The Monte Solane vineyard breathes the breath of Lake Garda and The Alps. Fresh warm air of Lake Gard sparks life and vegetation. At night the cold winds from The Alps protect the vines from disease. 

100% Corvine vines dig deep into Prun Stone soils. The hard rock is over 300 Million-years-old and made of rare earth minerals that tell the story of Earth. It produces mineral-rich Ripasso. Full-bodied with silky smooth textures that coat your palate giving you a relaxing comfort. 

Monte Solane is a single vineyard cru of 100% Corvina grapes. Aged on an Amarone pomace, the Ripasso expresses the dried grape flavors and velvety rich textures of Amarone, while the rare earth minerality enriches and enlightens your senses. It feels like it's melting in your mouth while you're licking your lips. 

Ugolini "Monte Solane" Ripasso - single vineyard cru

Monte Solane Specification Highlights:

Single Vineyard Name: Monte Solane 2016
Class: Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Elevation; 650 meters above sea level
​Soil: prun stone
​Grapes: Corvina
​Harvest method: Hand
​Production: 19,000 bottles annually
Yield: 60 quintals per hectare
​Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/l
​Alcohol: 15.5%
​Refinement: aged in steel vats and French oak for 1 year
​Aging: 5 years at estate
​Estate Bottled and Produced
​Organic certified in Italy 
Aging Potential:15-20 years
Serve in balloon glasses at 15 degrees C

San Michele Valpolicella Classico Superiore Single Vineyard 

San Michele Valpolicella Superiore: The Protector of the Valpolicella 

The San Michele is the historical and spiritual protector of the Valpolicella. The San Michele vineyard is visible by its Marogne walls. 

Built by the Romans 2000 years ago, these are stone walls that serve many purposes for good wine. They act as the original solar panels collecting heat to keep the soils warm and in balance. They also protect the landscape from washing away by rain. 

San Michele is a single vineyard cru of Valpolicella Classico Superiore. The finest grapes are hand-selected from each vine. And the wine ages in French barrique and large oaks casks for 3 years. Another 2 years of rest in bottle at the estate cellar before release. 

A more structured Valpolicella wine, full bodied, with very round and smooth textures. Every year the vines dig deeper into a prehistoric slab of tufo and extracts rare earth minerals that end up in the wine. That's how this wine gives you the overall feeling of sophistication. 

Ugolini "San Michele" Valpolicella Classico Superiore - single vineyard cru

San Michele Specification Highlights:

Single Vineyard Name: San Michele 2016
Class: Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
Elevation; 200 meters above sea level
​Soil: tufo
​Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta
​Harvest method: Hand
​Production: 19,000 bottles annually
Yield: 70 quintals per hectare
​Residual Sugar: 0.9 g/l
​Alcohol: 14.5%
​Refinement: aged in steel vats and French oak for 1 year
​Aging: 5 years at estate
​Estate Bottled and Produced
​Organic certified in Italy 
Aging Potential:15-20 years
Serve in balloon glasses at 15 degrees C
Ugolini Pozzetto Valpolicella Classico

Pozzetto - Valpolicella Classico Single Vineyard

Hemingway's Wine: Pozzetto 
Valpolicella Classico

The Pergola Veronese vines turn Italy into a fable. An ancient technique to protect the grapes from the burning sun, the overarching vines take you on a walk through paradise. 

Ernest Hemingway is one of the greatest writers of all time. He transferred to the Valpolicella, wrote two books during his stay, and romanticized about the Valpolicella wines. 

Pozzetto is a single vineyard cru of the Valpolicella Classico. A traditional red wine of the region. Meant to be drunk while young. Its freshness exhilarates your well-being. Medium bodied with a solid structure makes it an easy drinking wine at all hours of day and night. 9,500 bottles handcrafted.

Ugolini "Pozzetto" Valpolicella Classico - single vineyard cru

Pozzetto Specification Highlights:

Single Vineyard Name: Pozzetto 2019
Class: Valpolicella Classico DOC
Elevation; 160 meters above sea level
​Soil: Calcareous
​Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Molinara, Croatina, Ancellotta
​Harvest method: Hand
​Production: 9,500 bottles annually
​Residual Sugar: 0.9 g/l
​Alcohol: 14%
​Refinement: aged in steel vats for 1 year
​Aging: 3 years at estate
​Estate Bottled and Produced
​Organic certified in Italy 
Aging Potential:10-15 years
Serve in balloon glasses at 15 degrees C

Amarone Vintage Reports

According to The Valpolicella Consortium Annual Report, Amarone 2012 and 2013 received a 4 out of 5-star rating. Very good vintages. 

This is an overall rating based on the climate conditions and how they affected the wines throughout the region. 

The 2011 vintage received a 5 out of 5 star rating. And considered an excellent vintage. 

Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone 2013, 2012, 2011 aged 10+ years

Artisan Amarone Aged 10 Years at the Estate

Before the Price Goes Up 
on January 1, 2024

Many years ago American wine critics discovered an unknown Amarone and rated it 96 points. Today it’s the leading Amarone in the world and costs between $300-$900 a bottle. Imagine if you got to that wine before anyone knew about it.  

So which Amarone will be the next big thing? 

In 1996, Giambattista Ugolini ripped out his father’s vineyards in pursuit of a new Amarone recipe. Its secret ingredients that make up the Creative Cru Concept demands the finest grapes from prehistoric prun stone vineyards at high elevation in The Valpolicella. A single vineyard Amarone made to stand the test of time. 

It took more than two decades of hard work and sacrifice. Today the Ugolini Amarone has won just about every wine competition in Europe.

The only available vintages for Ugolini Amarone are 2013, 2012, and 2011. 

The 2013 caught us by surprise because we can’t get any more. They’re sold out in Italy. 

The 2014 vintage was not made because of poor climate conditions. The 2015 to 2022 vintages are all aging in the cellar with no release date set.  

While the Ugolini wines are quietly in the US they haven’t been written about by any of the American magazines…yet. 

This Wine Is Growing Faster In Value Than Gold

In December 2021 the Ugolini Amarone 2011 was released from the cellar after 10 years of aging. At 60 Euros in Italy ($70 USD), it was a steal. 

Today the 2011 is $150 a bottle. The price doubled in two years. Once the stock is sold out, it may become a collector’s item. And it’s value could continue to rise. 

I think it’s the most underrated Amarone of the three. The Ugolini Family believes the 2011 has the longest aging capability. 

Once the US wine critics discover this wine, it will be too late. 

Announcing 618 Bottles Of Ugolini Amarone In The US

A small batch of 618 bottles of Ugolini Amarone just arrived in the US. It’s a mix of vintages 2013, 2012, and 2011. If the Amarone doesn’t sell out by January 1, 2024 the price of the 2011 will rise to $185 a bottle. And the others will follow. 

Current Bottle Counts: (Dec. 19)

2011 - 204 bottles remaining
2012 - 168 bottles remaining
2013 - 36 bottles remaining 

Factors such as inflation and the cost of energy needed for storing these vintages are adding a cost to the wine. 

To be completely transparent, I think the evolution in the bottle for these Amarone vintages is so incredible, their value will fly to the stratosphere. 

Don’t hesitate to add this one to the collection.  

Let’s face it. Amarone is not an everyday drinking wine. That’s why you can also get the other 3 single vineyard crus: Ripasso, Valpolicella Superiore, and Valpolicella Classico. All dry reds. 

Each one of these wines can serve a purpose: 

Valpolicella Classico is refreshing in spring and summer. Great with lighter fare like mozzarella and tomatoes. Semi aged cheeses. Perhaps a roasted chicken with veggies. 

Valpolicella Superiore has more structure and complexity. Great any time of the year. Pairs nicely with veal and mushroom-based dishes. A mushroom risotto is a fantastic pairing. 

Ripasso is wonderful in the fall and winter. It can act as an Amarone substitute. Pairs best with lean red meats like New York Strip and Filet Mignon. You can also have it with lamb. Make sure you decant 2-3 hours before serving. 

Amarone is for special occasions any time of the year. Whether it’s a family dinner or a well-deserved quiet night on the couch. It also makes the perfect gift to someone important in your life.  

And even if the Ugolini Valle Alta Amarone never becomes a collectible item, it doesn’t matter. It was made to last. It was created in Italy. 

Click the pack of your choice below and fill out the easy order form. Your wines will arrive in 5-7 business days. 

And as a thank you for trusting us with your wine choice I’d like to send you four free gifts. You’ll receive them instantly when you make your purchase. 

How To Order

Below you'll find 3 Ugolini Wine Packs. Choose the wine that works best for your situation. 
Option 1

Connoisseur's Pack

*Supplies are extremely limited

$467 + Free Shipping

The Amarone Connoisseur's Pack is a 3-bottle collection of the Ugolini Family's single vineyard cru called Valle Alta. You'll receive three vintages: 2013, 2012, and 2011. The wines are currently in our temperature controlled warehouse in Edison, New Jersey at 60 degrees F, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Already aged 10 years and more, this is a rare opportunity to taste the magic of an Amarone that has evolved in the bottle for a decade. Delivered straight to your door in 5-10 business days. 
Total value: $1,608
Today just $467
Option 2
Explorer's Pack

*Supplies are extremely limited

$327 + Free Shipping

The Explorer's Pack is a 4-bottle collection from the Ugolini Family Estate Cellar. You'll receive one bottle from each of the following:

Ugolini "Pozzetto" Valpolicella Classico 2019 - 1 bottle
Ugolini "San Michele" Valpolicella Superiore 2016 - 1 bottle
Ugolini "Monte Solane" Valpolicella Ripasso 2016 - 1 bottle
Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone della Valpolicella 2011 - 1 bottle

Each wine is a single vineyard cru wine—the only of its kind in the world! The wines are currently in our temperature controlled warehouse in Edison, New Jersey at 60 degrees F, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Delivered straight to your door in 5-10 business days. 
Total value: $1468
Today just $327
Option 3
titan's pack

*Supplies are extremely limited

$1,137 + Free Shipping

Sometimes one bottle of a great wine just isn't enough. The Amarone Combo Pack is a 12-bottle collection from the Ugolini Family Estate Cellar. You'll receive the following bottles:

Ugolini "Pozzetto" Valpolicella Classico 2019 - 2 bottles
Ugolini "San Michele" Valpolicella Superiore 2016 - 2 bottles
Ugolini "Monte Solane" Valpolicella Ripasso 2016 - 2 bottles
Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone della Valpolicella 2011 - 2 bottles
Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone della Valpolicella 2012 - 2 bottles
Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone della Valpolicella 2013 - 2 bottles

Each wine is a single vineyard cru wine—the only of its kind in the world! This is an incredible opportunity to explore the different styles and single vineyards from the historic Valpolicella vineyards. The wines are currently in our temperature controlled warehouse in Edison, New Jersey at 60 degrees F, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Delivered straight to your door in 5-10 business days. 
Total value: $2278
Today just $1,137

Exclusive Gifts For You

 4 FREE gifts when you purchase 
any wine pack today.
Free Gift #1
Wine Class: Amarone and the wines of Valpolicella  (Digital Recording)          ($497 Value)
In this special Italian Wine Experience, award-winning author of Hidden Gems of Italy, Tony Margiotta takes you on an enchanting journey of discovery through the world of Valpolicella wines including the world renowned Amarone della Valpolicella. 

You’ll discover:

-What Does Amarone and Valpolicella Really Mean? 
-The Story Behind Amarone Becoming The World’s Best 
-The Favorite Wine Of The Greatest Writer Of All Time
-The Family Tree Of Valpolicella Wines 
-4 Wine + Food Pairings That Make Memorable Moments At The Table 

As soon as you purchase your wine pack, you'll receive an email with a link to watch the class video recording. You can watch it right away, or wait until your wine pack arrives so you can taste while Tony shares the stories in the bottle with you. 
Free Gift #2

Amarone Master Class - Digital Recording ($497 Value)
Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the world’s greatest wines.  

What’s interesting is you can find Amarone’s that cost between $40 to $400 a bottle. Why is there such a broad range? 

When a name like Amarone becomes famous, many brands get to enjoy that success even if their wines are subpar. 

That’s why unfortunately, many wine lovers are drinking Amarone “brand names” instead of focusing on the source of the wine. 

So the hidden opportunity to experience why Amarone is a miracle among wines begins at the origin vineyard and not the brand name. 

In this virtual master class, author Tony Margiotta will take you deep into the Valpolicella to unearth the secrets of this grand wine. 

You’ll discover:

- The Real Story Behind The Name 
- A Marvelous 3-Year Vertical Of Aged Amarone
- Mother Nature’s Key Ingredients 
- Why And How Each Vintage Has Its Own Identity
- How To Read An Amarone Label Like A Pro
- Weather Charts and more! 

As soon as you purchase your wine pack, you'll receive an email with a link to watch the class video recording. This is a very rare opportunity to taste 3 vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella single vineyard cru from the Ugolini Family Estate: 2013, 2012, and 2011.  
Free Gift #3

"My Valley" Film Narrated by Giambattista Ugolini (Digital Recording)
($147 Value)
A beautiful look in the world of the Valpolicella. Owner of the Ugolini Family Estate, Giambattista Ugolini takes you on a walk through the history of the Fumane Valley in the Valpolicella of Nothern Italy. All while seeing breathtaking views of this magical wine world. You'll receive this 6-part series film as soon as you place your order. Free! 

Part 1: The History of the Fumane Valley
Part 2: Organic Farming Methods
Part 3. A Look Inside The Ugolini Cellar
Part 4: The Ugolini Philosophy of Oak Aging
Part 5: The Art of Blending
Part 6: The Microclimate 
Free Gift #4

"Deep in the Valley: A Wine Documentary in the Valpolicella" Filmed by Tony Margiotta           Digital Recording ($197 Value)
Author Tony Margiotta takes you on a deep dive into the Valpolicella and Ugolini Family Estate. Some of the scenery has never been seen before. Experience the rich history of Italy's most important wine region while in the comfort of your home. Invite your friends and family to sip these wines while watching this historic adventure. Or indulge yourself in a quiet evening of pleasure and enrichment. This documentary is yours free, which you'll receive the url link to watch, in an email as soon you have placed your order. 

4 Gifts Value: $1,141
Yours FREE when you order a wine pack today

$1,141 in complimentary gifts you can only get here at ItalianWines.nyc. It's our way of saying thank you. And because we want you to have the ultimate tasting experience. 

Choose Your Wine Pack

Connoisseur's Pack
$467 + 4 Free Gifts

Explorer's Pack
$327 + 4 Free Gifts

Titan's Pack
$1137 + 4 Free Gifts

We ship with FedEX. Adult signature is required for delivery. Please allow 5-10 business days to receive your wine.

We ship to all states EXCEPT Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Next Steps

Select your favorite wine pack from the order form above. There are three choices: 

1. Connoisseur’s Pack
2. Explorer’s Pack
3. Titan’s Pack

Each wine was produced and bottled at the Ugolini Family Estate in The Valpolicella of Italy. Each wine is a single vineyard cru made in limited quantities. Each bottle is numbered for quality assurance. Each bottle was aged in the estate cellar for considerably longer than its peers so you can enjoy a finer wine. 

Once you place your order, you’ll also receive four gifts. It’s my way of saying thank you. But it’s also because I want to make sure you squeeze the maximum joy possible out of these wine collections. 

This is a private advertisement. It’s not meant for the 99% of wine drinkers. 

Is There A Guarantee? 

I realize this can be a risky bet to try these wines. So if you’re the type of person who needs a guarantee before buying wine, please please don’t order. We serve like-minded wine enthusiasts who want to explore the finer things in life. And sometimes that means taking a chance and going off-the-beaten path to find them. 

But if you’re truly unhappy with your wine you must do the following before you contact me. 

1. You must store your wine in a cool (55 to 65 degrees F) and dark place as soon as the wine arrives. 
2. You must watch the free videos I sent you. I’m going to quiz you on them. 
3. You must decant the wines 3 hours before serving.

Please keep in mind that these wines are in the TOP 1% OF ALL WINES IN THE WORLD rated on Vivino. The Ugolini family has a 4.8 rating on Google and a 5 Star Rating on Trip Advisor. And they’ve won gold medals at the major wine competitions in Europe. Their reputation is impeccable.

Simply not liking the wine is not grounds for a refund. Wine is a consumable product so it can’t be returned. And these wines are made in limited quantities. That means you’re taking a special bottle away from someone who would have appreciated it.

If you find a corked bottle, (and there’s less than 1% chance that you’ll find one) just ship us the cork back to the wine shop. If after a professional inspection concludes it’s a defective cork the wine shop will refund you the money for that bottle. 

And no matter what happens you get to keep the 4 free gifts for your time and effort which is worth $1,141.  
Ugolini "Valle Alta" Amarone Ratings on Vivino
Ugolini "Valla Alta" Amarone single vineyard cru. Vineyard is 850 feet above sea level. Optimum sun exposure for ripe grapes. Complex polyphenol content from wide thermal excursions. Moutherwatering Corvina blend of grapes hand-harvested at the perfect moment. Enriched by appassimento for 6 months. The finest dried clusters are hand-selected.
A soft, brief, and cool press squeezes out the glorious part of the juice. Complete fermentation until all sugars disappear forming a clean dry wine. Aged 3 years in custom French barrique and large oak casks. Total aging is 10 years in the estate cellar so you can enjoy NOW and WHILE it continues to age and evolve. 

Who wrote this private advertisement?

Tony Margiotta

Tony Margiotta roams the backroads of the Italian countryside in search of quality craft wines. He’s the President of Gladiator Wine Distribution, an importer of small artisanal wines handcrafted in Italy. He’s the author of "Hidden Gems of Italy,” winner of “The Best European Wine Book In The US” at the Gourmand International Book Competition. His wine selections have won countless awards including double gold and silver medals at the New York International Wine Competition. His family comes from a small village called Montaquila in Southern Italy. And Mr. Margiotta has been traveling to Italy for over 20 years immersing himself in Italian food, wine, and culture. 

Tony Margiotta on Monte Solane Ripasso Single Vineyard in Valpolicella, Italy

Amarone Single Vineyard Cru

The Ugolini Family creates an Amarone single vineyard cru called Valle Alta. The Valle Alta vineyard hangs on a steep slope at 850 feet above sea level. The vineyard enjoys wide thermal excursions giving the grapes complexity and powerful aromatics. So your Amarone is powerful, complex, and distinct. 

Valpolicella Wines


Besides Amarone, the Valpolicella region makes other noteworthy wines such as Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Superiore, and Ripasso. At the Ugolini Family Estate, each wine is handcrafted from a single vineyard cru so you can enjoy the maximum expression of a distinct wine with a purpose. 

Have a question?


Royal Wine Merchants
13 S William St
New York, NY 10004
212-689-4855 - ask for Laurie
support@italianwines.nyc

Creation Cru 
Concept

The Creation Cru Concept by Ugolini is a special family recipe for make Amarone, Ripasso, and the Valpolicella wines. Each wine is made from a single vineyard and harvested with the cru method. That's a "first pass" harvest picking only the finest clusters in the single vineyard. But then, crafting the wine in a way that stands the test of time like a creative work. Earth, science, and art are woven together into a wine created in Italy.

Amarone Aged 10+ Years

The Valle Alta Amarone ages 3 years in custom French barrique and large oak casks for refinement. Then the wine ages in its venetian glass bottles at the estate cellar for 7 more years. Total aging is 10 years at the estate. Stored in their cellar so you don't have to wait years aging it in yours. At 10 years old, Valle Alta is in the prime of its life. You'll need several bottles to enjoy while it continues to develop in bottle.  

Specification Highlights for Amarone

  • Single Vineyard Name: Valle Alta; 850 feet above sea level
  • ​Soil: Prun Stone (fossil marl)
  • ​Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta
  • ​Harvest method: Hand
  • ​Production: 3,200-19,000 bottles annually
  • ​Residual Sugar: 0.9 g/l
  • ​Alcohol: 16-16.5%
  • ​Refinement: 1 year in French barrique; 2 years large French oak casks
  • ​Aging: 7-10 years at estate
  • ​Estate Bottled and Produced
  • ​Organic certified in Italy 
Tony Margiotta Copyright © 2023