The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 is wonderfully floral, displaying dusty dried roses and violets complicated by notes of crushed chalk and spiced blackberries. This is silky in texture yet lifted in feel, with a pleasant inner sweetness and crisp wild berry fruits contrasted by resonant hints of candied orange. The Marne 180 finishes structured and remarkably fresh, leaving a bitter dark chocolate twang that lingers on. This is fantastic, but do watch out for its perfectly integrated 16.5% alcohol.
The wines from this reliable producer are consistently delicious, in a modern style without ever straying too far into excess. Kirsch, alpine spruce, candied orange zest, violets and camphor. The oak finds confluence with the refined grape tannins to compress the fruit with a welcome restraint. There’s a touch of sweetness to the vintage. Age and the complexity that comes with it will serve this wine well. Sustainable. Drink or hold.