Marion, Veneto

Weighing in at 15.5% alcohol, 41 grams of dry extract (a lot) and with 7.6 grams/litre of residual sugar (offsetting the impact of the alcohol percentage), refreshed by the chalky white stony soils of the Marcellise valley, to the north-east of Verona, this benchmark Amarone blend of Corvinone (45%), Corvina Veronese (25%), Rondinella (20%) and Croatina/Bonarda (10%) captures the nature of this classic, well-structured vintage.

Aromas of sour cherry ('amarena'), balsam oil, dates and bramble pepper the nose, while rich, super suave, black pepper, cinnamon, spice and liquorice flavours dominant the opulent mouth feel. A big wine that's beginning to 'spread its wings', so no hurry even if it is seductive now; pair with stinky cheese, as a port alternative perhaps.
David Berry Green

Made using mostly guyot-trellised fruit that’s been partially dried until the first week of December 2010, Marion’s Amarone is comprised of fresh dark brambly fruit, plus plenty of oak and coffee notes. Slender, fleshy, sapid and yet at the same time round red fruit (residual sugar level: 7), this dry wine is very one for main dishes.
David Berry Green

Always among our favourite Amarone, Marion’s fabulous example has hugely broad appeal. Complex aromas of mint and mocha compete for attention on the wonderfully-concentrated nose of this wine. Big and full-bodied on the palate, with notes of red and black berry-fruit alongside the mocha, this is a meal in itself, yet retains elegance and balance.

Marion is one of the most beautiful estates, just north of Verona on the site of a splendid 15th-century villa in the valley of Marcellise, once owned by the Conte Marioni, subsequently bought by the Campedelli family in 1986. Together with his wife, Nicoletta Fornasa, and brother Marco, Stefano started bottling in 1995; now the property has 22 hectares. Since 2006 they’ve been assisted by the talented Damiano Peroni. The estate lies just outside the Classico zone on predominantly chalk soils.

Stefano’s desire to produce an Amarone with more freshness is clear in this elegant, yet full-bodied wine. Aromas reminiscent of stewed, sweet plums and wild herbs are supported by chocolate and roasted coffee. The mouth-feel is silky in texture and the weight of fruit buffers the tannins. Excellent balance.
Drink from 2016-2035.