Marion, Veneto

This is another great example of Valpolicella Superiore, as opposed to Valpolicella Ripasso. A wonderful, rich bouquet leaps from the glass with notes of red fruit and mocha. It’s just as good on the palate with rounded, plush fruit, great concentration and impeccable balance. Just the right weight, this is a delightful wine, as complex as many an Amarone, but more accessible than most.

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.

The Marion estate is the site of a splendid 15th century villa in the valley of Marcellise, once owned by the Conte Marioni. The Campedelli family bought the property in 1986; Stefano, together with his wife Nicoletta Fornasa and brother Marco, started bottling in 1995. Now the estate has 22 hectares, producing 70,000 bottles a year. The estate lies just outside the Classico zone on predominantly chalk soils, giving wines of purity.

This Valpolicella Superiore manages to balance accessibility with ageing potential. Rich chocolate and kirsch aromas are layered with chalky minerals on the nose. Sweetly scented red fruits and cherry stone characters add to the richness on the palate. Young and vigorous, this will reward a bit of patience. Drink now to 2022.

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

With pretty aromas of pure red cherry, this has a bright and energetic attack, while the acidity is balanced by elegant fruit and fine-grained tannins. There’s plenty of energy across the palate and a long finish. Drink now to 2020.