Cantine di Ora Amicone Rosso

Cantine di Ora Amicone Rosso is a full-bodied Italian red wine from Veneto made using the appassimento method, bottled at 14% ABV in a 750ml format. A Berlin Wine Trophy Gold medal winner across multiple vintages, this blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara delivers a richness that punches well above its weight class.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Veneto, Italy  |  Style: Appassimento Red Blend  |  Producer: Cantine di Ora

Production & Heritage

Cantine di Ora produces Amicone Rosso in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, drawing on the same grape varieties that form the backbone of Valpolicella and Amarone. The blend—50% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, and 20% Molinara—undergoes a partial appassimento process: the healthiest and ripest grapes are hand-selected during the early October harvest, then dried on large wooden racks under controlled temperature and humidity. This concentration of sugars and flavors before fermentation yields the wine's signature depth. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by slow aging in tonneaux (large French oak barrels) that contributes subtle spice and structure without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe cherries and dried plums before giving way to sweet baking spice and a dusting of cocoa. There is a restrained undercurrent of coffee and black pepper that adds intrigue.

Taste: The entry is plush and fruit-forward, with dark berry compote and cherry liqueur flavors coating the palate. At mid-palate, chocolate and vanilla emerge alongside a gentle almond nuttiness. The body is full and velvety, with ripe tannins that feel polished rather than gripping.

Finish: The finish is smooth and lingering, trailing off with toasted oak, soft tannins, and a whisper of dark spice. It stays balanced and clean, never heavy despite the wine's considerable weight.

How to Drink Amicone Rosso

Serve at 16–18°C (61–64°F). This wine is at its best poured into a large-bowled glass with 15–20 minutes of breathing time, which allows the dried-fruit complexity to fully open up. For a lighter warm-weather approach, a brief chill to the lower end of that range tightens the fruit and lifts the acidity. Its bold, rounded profile also makes it a strong base for red wine cocktails: try it in a classic Sangria, where its dried-fruit character and spice create a naturally complex punch; in a Mulled Wine during cooler months, where its cocoa and plum notes harmonize with cinnamon and star anise; or in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where its full body and sweetness balance the carbonation.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a rich red without a premium price tag
• Introducing someone to the appassimento style before stepping up to Amarone
• Pairing with a hearty Italian pasta course or Sunday roast
• Gifting a wine lover who enjoys Valpolicella Ripasso

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Amicone Rosso taste like? Amicone Rosso delivers a rich, velvety palate of dark berries, cocoa, and vanilla, backed by soft tannins and a smooth, lingering finish. The appassimento process gives it a dried-fruit sweetness and concentration that recalls Amarone without the same intensity.

How does Amicone Rosso compare to Valpolicella Ripasso? Both wines share the Corvina-Rondinella-Molinara blend and draw richness from partially dried grapes, but Ripasso gains its complexity by re-fermenting on Amarone pomace, while Amicone Rosso relies on its own appassimento-dried fruit. The result is a comparable full-bodied profile at a typically lower price point.

Is Amicone Rosso good for beginners? Yes—its smooth tannins, fruit-forward profile, and absence of harsh edges make it approachable for drinkers new to full-bodied Italian reds. It serves as an excellent gateway to the broader appassimento family of wines.

Where is Amicone Rosso made? Amicone Rosso is produced by Cantine di Ora in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Veneto is the same region responsible for Amarone della Valpolicella and Valpolicella Ripasso.

What foods pair well with Amicone Rosso? Its dark berry and cocoa notes complement braised short ribs and slow-cooked beef ragu. Hard aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano mirror the wine's savory depth. Grilled lamb chops work well against its spice and tannin structure, while mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, velvety side of the blend. For dessert, dark chocolate with 70% cacao echoes the wine's cocoa finish.

What sizes does Amicone Rosso come in? Amicone Rosso is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Amicone Rosso worth the price? Amicone Rosso positions as a value-tier appassimento red that delivers complexity typically associated with wines at higher price points. Its Berlin Wine Trophy Gold medals and consistent community scores around 90 points reinforce that it over-delivers for its category.

Why Amicone Rosso?

The appassimento technique—drying selected grapes on wooden racks before fermentation—is the same method behind Amarone, one of Italy's most celebrated and expensive reds. Amicone Rosso brings that concentration and velvety texture into an accessible, everyday format. Its Berlin Wine Trophy Gold medals across the 2019 and 2020 vintages confirm the consistency of the winemaking, not just a single standout year. For drinkers who enjoy the dried-fruit richness and polished tannins of Veneto reds but want to drink them regularly rather than reserve them for special occasions, this bottle fills a genuine gap.