April 15, 2026 (Verona, Italy) — Time as a key to interpretation, the dining room as a place of expression, and choice as a conscious act: these are the pillars around which the masterclass organized by Famiglie Storiche at Vinitaly 2026 was developed, titled “Amarone: Time, Dining Room service, Choice – Stylistic evolution and gastronomic versatility of Amarone through the comparison of different vintages, balancing harmony, precision, and dialogue with food.”
The event, held on Tuesday, April 14, brought together a qualified audience of Ho.Re.Ca. professionals, sommeliers, and trade press, confirming the association’s central role in promoting a contemporary understanding of Amarone della Valpolicella.
«Amarone is not a wine frozen in time, but a language that evolves. Today, the challenge is no longer to explain what it is, but how to present it in a relevant way: through its versatility, stylistic precision, and its natural affinity with food. Time, dining room service, and choice become key elements in making it more accessible and meaningful in the restaurant world. The comparison between vintages allows us to convey a strong and recognizable identity, one that continues to evolve in the way it is interpreted and presented. Famiglie Storiche embodies this shared vision: preserving Amarone’s identity while guiding its evolution» says Pierangelo Tommasi, President of the Famiglie Storiche Association.
The tasting was led by Roberto Anesi, Best Sommelier of Italy 2017, who guided participants through an in-depth journey based on the comparison of three vintages – 2012, 2016, and 2021 – through thirteen interpretations of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Riserva, one from each member family. «Amarone is often automatically paired with richly structured dishes, but today it is interesting to move beyond these conventions and discover new possibilities. During the masterclass, we explored less conventional pairings, from fatty fish such as salmon to influences from Eastern cuisines, showing how much room there is for experimentation. The interpretations by Famiglie Storiche, while remaining true to a classic style, consistently surprise with their ability to engage in dialogue with food. The invitation is to rediscover Amarone from a gastronomic perspective, moving beyond the most traditional pairings and opening up to combinations that, until recently, would have seemed unthinkable» comments Anesi.
Throughout the event, sensory analysis was interwoven with insights on front-of-house service and food pairing, offering attendees practical tools to enhance Amarone’s presence both on wine lists and in the dining room. This approach highlights the association’s commitment to engaging more directly with the restaurant world, strengthening Amarone’s positioning as a truly contemporary wine.
Through the comparison of vintages and styles, the masterclass reaffirmed Amarone as a wine capable of expressing balance, precision, and depth, while preserving its identity and embracing new opportunities for consumption and interpretation.
With this initiative, Famiglie Storiche renews its commitment to promoting Amarone della Valpolicella, fostering a wine culture that combines territorial heritage with a contemporary vision, in the name of quality and authenticity.
