Amarone is a rich, full-bodied Italian wine with an intense flavor profile and a high alcohol content. Although it’s a favorite among wine enthusiasts, it can be expensive and hard to find.
So if you’re looking for wines similar to Amarone, I’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to five alternative wines that share some of Amarone’s distinctive qualities, without breaking the bank. The wines we will explore are:
1. Ripasso della Valpolicella
2. Primitivo di Manduria
3. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
4. Malbec from Argentina
5. Zinfandel from California
1. Ripasso della Valpolicella
Taste and Origin
Ripasso della Valpolicella is a red wine from the same region as Amarone, the Valpolicella area in the Veneto region of Italy. It is made using a unique process called “ripasso,” in which the young Valpolicella wine is “passed over” the leftover grape skins and seeds from the production of Amarone. This process imparts some of the bold flavors and richness of Amarone to the Ripasso wine.
Ripasso has a deep ruby red color and a complex bouquet of red and black fruits, spices, and hints of chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with flavors of ripe cherries, plums, and sweet spices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Similar flavors and richness to Amarone due to the ripasso process
- More affordable than Amarone
Cons:
- Not as intense and powerful as Amarone
- Still a relatively high alcohol content
2. Primitivo di Manduria
Taste and Origin
Primitivo di Manduria is a red wine from the Puglia region in the Southern part of Italy. It is made from the Primitivo grape, which is genetically identical to the Zinfandel grape from California. Primitivo di Manduria is known for its bold, fruity flavors and high alcohol content, making it an excellent alternative to Amarone.
This wine has a deep, dark color with aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and plums, accompanied by notes of sweet spices and chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied, round, and smooth, with intense flavors of dark fruits, licorice, and vanilla.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Bold, fruity flavors similar to Amarone
- High alcohol content
- Less expensive than Amarone
Cons:
- The taste profile is slightly less complex than Amarone
- Not as widely available as some other alternatives
3. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Taste and Origin
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a red wine produced in the Abruzzo region of Italy, made from the Montepulciano grape variety. This wine is known for its deep color, robust flavors, and full-body, making it a great alternative to Amarone.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has a deep ruby red color with aromas of dark fruits, leather, and tobacco. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of black cherries, blackberries, and spices, accompanied by soft tannins and a long finish.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Full-bodied and robust flavors similar to Amarone
- More affordable than Amarone
- Widely available
Cons:
- Not as complex and intense as Amarone
- Lower alcohol content than Amarone
4. Malbec from Argentina
Taste and Origin
Malbec is a red wine grape variety that originated in France but has found its most significant success in Argentina. Malbec wines from Argentina are known for their intense flavors, deep color, and full-body – characteristics that make them a great alternative to Amarone.
Argentinian Malbec wines have a deep purple color and aromas of ripe black fruits, violets, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of blackberries, plums, and mocha, accompanied by soft tannins and a long finish.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Intense flavors and full-body similar to Amarone
- Less expensive than Amarone
- Widely available
Cons:
- The taste profile is not as complex as Amarone
- Lower alcohol content than Amarone
5. Zinfandel from California
Taste and Origin
Zinfandel is a red wine grape variety that is primarily grown in California, where it produces bold, fruit-forward wines with high alcohol content. Zinfandel’s intense flavors and full-body make it an excellent alternative to Amarone.
California Zinfandel has a deep ruby red color and aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of jammy fruits, pepper, and vanilla, accompanied by a high alcohol content and a long finish.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Bold, fruity flavors similar to Amarone
- High alcohol content
- Widely available
Cons:
- The taste profile is not as complex as Amarone
- Not an Italian wine, for those who prefer Italian alternatives
Conclusion and Personal Recommendation
All of the wines mentioned above share some of Amarone’s distinctive qualities, such as intense flavors, full-body, and a high alcohol content. However, each of these alternatives also has its unique characteristics and taste profile.
If you’re looking for a wine that is most similar to Amarone in terms of flavor and production method, I would recommend trying a Ripasso della Valpolicella. For a more budget-friendly option, you might consider a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo or an Argentinian Malbec. Finally, if you’re open to exploring wines from outside of Italy, a California Zinfandel could be an exciting option to try.
Ultimately, the best way to discover which alternative wine suits your taste buds is to try them for yourself. Cheers!
FAQs
Is Amarone the best red wine?
Amarone is a highly regarded red wine that originates from the Veneto region in Italy. It is known for its rich, intense flavors and high alcohol content. While Amarone is undoubtedly a fantastic wine, determining the “best” red wine is subjective and varies depending on personal preferences. There are numerous exceptional red wines from different regions worldwide, each with their own unique characteristics and styles. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide which red wine they consider the best based on their taste preferences and experiences.
Why Amarone is the best wine?
Amarone is often considered one of the best wines due to its unique production method and exceptional flavor profile. Made from dried grapes, Amarone undergoes a lengthy fermentation process, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine with concentrated flavors of ripe fruits, chocolate, and spices. Its complexity, depth, and ability to age for decades make Amarone a standout choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a truly special and memorable experience.
What makes Amarone different?
Amarone is a unique Italian red wine that stands out for its production method. Unlike other wines, Amarone is made from dried grapes, which intensifies the flavors and creates a rich, full-bodied wine. The drying process, known as appassimento, concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in a higher alcohol content and distinctive taste profile. Amarone is characterized by its deep, complex flavors of dried fruits, spices, and earthy undertones, making it a truly special and sought-after wine.
Is Valpolicella the same as Amarone?
No, Valpolicella and Amarone are not the same. Valpolicella is a red wine produced in the Valpolicella region of Italy, typically made from a blend of local grape varieties such as Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Amarone, on the other hand, is a specific style of wine produced in the same region but made from dried grapes, resulting in a richer, more concentrated and full-bodied wine. While both wines come from the Valpolicella region, they have distinct characteristics and production methods.
What are the characteristics of Amarone wine?
Amarone wine is a rich, full-bodied red wine from the Veneto region of Italy. It is made using a unique winemaking technique called appassimento, where the grapes are dried for several months before fermentation. This process concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in a wine with high alcohol content, intense aromas of dried fruits, dark cherries, and spices, and a robust, velvety texture. Amarone wines often exhibit a long aging potential and are known for their complexity and depth.
What wine is closest to Amarone?
A wine that is closest in style to Amarone is Ripasso. It is made using a similar process, where the partially dried grape skins from Amarone production are added to a Valpolicella wine, resulting in a richer and more concentrated flavor profile.
