January 31, 2023 — Bertani, the benchmark for Valpolicella winemaking and an icon for authentic Amarone della Valpolicella for over 60 years is pleased to release its first vintage under the direction of winemaker Andrea Lonardi – the 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (SRP $130).
Established in 1857 in the heart of Valpolicella, Bertani has long been a symbol of pioneering excellence, bucking trends while creating terroir-driven wines that stand out for their clear and unique style. Credited with producing the first Amarone style wine, Bertani houses an extensive historic library of Amarone Classico della Valpolicella that proudly includes 45 vintages.
A native of Valpolicella from a viticulture family, Lonardi’s winemaking philosophy is based on embracing state-of-the-art techniques in the vineyards and the cellar, coupled with a deep respect for tradition. “I am honored to be part of Bertani’s treasured heritage,” says Lonardi who joined Bertani in 2012. “It is important to respect our rich past while at the same time focus on shaping our future.”
Bertani’s hallmark Amarone is crafted in the tradition of the messa a riposo style, a wine made with partially dried grapes. While a number of other producers utilize temperature and humidity controlled drying rooms, Bertani sticks with tradition; neither fans or artificial ventilation are used to regulate humidity. The process relies heavily on the climatic conditions imparting variations in flavors and textures with each vintage.
Bertani’s Amarone della Valpolicella Classico also distinguishes itself with a long aging process. After fermentation, the wine spent seven years in traditional old Slavonian casks before being bottled where it rested for three years; very few fine wines are treated to this type of time and attention before being released.
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is made with grapes from Bertani’s flagship Tenuta Novare estate in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica area. The 2012 vintage is remembered for the significant stress the vines had to overcome due to climatic factors, including a mild winter with low rainfall and a cool spring followed high summer temperatures. As a result, the yield of this vintage was relatively low, providing excellent grape quality that is testament to the complex flavors of this special wine. Bertani 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (SRP $130) is available in all major US markets.
ABOUT BERTANI
Founded in 1857 and synonymous with Amarone, Bertani is committed to terroir-driven wines that highlight the typicity of indigenous grapes with long honored winemaking traditions and state-of-the-art production facilities. Credited with producing the first Amarone style wine, Bertani houses an extensive historic library of Amarone Classico that proudly includes 45 vintages, all on the market today. Bertani’s inspiration is respect for tradition balanced with a unique innovative role and entrepreneurial mindset to achieve the greatest quality.
With over 500 acres in the Valpolicella Classica zone, Tenuta Novare in Arbizzano di Negrar is Bertani’s flagship vineyard and is considered the birthplace of Amarone Classico where Bertani welcomed its first vintage in 1958. The estate extends over 500 acres, of which 160 acres are planted to vines. Grape varieties are those typical in the Valpolicella Classica area including Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara. In 2011 Bertani was acquired by Angelini Wine & Estates, holding a group of six wineries throughout Italy.
Bertani is imported to the US through Taub Family Selections, which represents a portfolio of fine wines produced by highly-regarded winemaking families with deep, long-established roots. Their portfolio centers on true terroir-driven expressions that are benchmarks from the most heralded wine regions of the world.
