David Sterza Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2016

David Sterza Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2016 is a full-bodied Italian red wine produced via the traditional appassimento method, bottled at 16% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This 2016 vintage earned 95 points from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, underscoring its status as a serious, cellar-worthy expression from one of Valpolicella's smaller family producers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 16%  |  Origin: Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy  |  Vintage: 2016  |  Winery: David Sterza

Production & Heritage

David Sterza farms vineyards in the village of Casterna, situated at the foothills of the Lessini mountains within the historic Valpolicella Classico zone. The wine follows the traditional appassimento process: hand-harvested Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes are carefully dried to concentrate sugars and flavor compounds before fermentation. After vinification, the wine is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, adding structure and subtle toasted-wood complexity without overwhelming the dried-fruit character that defines great Amarone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark ruby red in the glass, opening with concentrated raisin and blackberry aromas. Leather and cedar emerge as the wine breathes, layered beneath a subtle spice note.

Taste: The entry is rich and fruit-forward, led by blackberry and raspberry compote alongside darker plum and prune tones. Mid-palate, the tannins reveal a gossamer-like fineness, while soft acidity keeps the wine balanced against its considerable weight. Cedar, baking spice, and a cocoa-like undercurrent build toward a layered peak.

Finish: Long and smooth, with toasted wood and juicy raisin lingering well after the last sip. A thread of dark berry sweetness and warm spice slowly fades, leaving a satisfying sense of depth.

How to Drink David Sterza Amarone

This Amarone is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (around 60–65°F), served in a large-bowled glass that allows the complex aromatics to open fully. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes before serving helps soften the structure and release secondary aromas.

• Osso buco: The wine's dried-fruit richness and soft tannins complement braised veal shanks in their own right.
• Risotto all'Amarone: A classic regional pairing that mirrors the wine's concentrated berry and spice character.
• Aged hard cheeses: Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Piave echo the wine's depth and savory complexity.

Best For

• Gifting a dedicated Italian wine enthusiast who appreciates Valpolicella's appassimento tradition
• Anchoring a special-occasion dinner featuring braised meats or rich pasta courses
• Adding a critically acclaimed 2016 vintage to a cellar collection
• Exploring small-production Amarone alongside more widely available labels

Frequently Asked Questions

What does David Sterza Amarone taste like? This Amarone delivers concentrated blackberry, raspberry compote, raisin, and plum flavors, supported by cedar, baking spice, and a cocoa-like depth. The tannins are notably fine, and the finish lingers with toasted wood and dark fruit.

How does David Sterza Amarone compare to Zeni Amarone Classico? Both wines are produced in the Valpolicella Classico zone using the appassimento technique, but David Sterza comes from a smaller, family-run estate and the 2016 vintage scored 95 points from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate. Zeni is a more widely distributed producer, making it easier to find, while Sterza tends toward a more artisanal, limited-production profile.

Is David Sterza Amarone good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its complex dried-fruit aromatics, silky tannins, and long finish make it an outstanding wine for contemplative sipping after dinner or alongside a cheese course.

Where is David Sterza Amarone made? David Sterza Amarone is produced from hand-harvested grapes grown in the village of Casterna, at the foothills of the Lessini mountains in the Valpolicella Classico zone of Veneto, Italy.

What foods pair well with David Sterza Amarone? Braised beef short ribs or osso buco match its weight and dried-fruit richness. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano bring out its savory side. Dark chocolate desserts complement the cocoa and raisin undertones. Wild mushroom risotto highlights its earthy spice, and grilled lamb chops stand up to its full body.

What sizes does David Sterza Amarone come in? The standard bottling is a 750ml format, which is the most commonly available size for this wine.

Is David Sterza Amarone worth the price? With 95 points from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate and small-production, hand-harvested fruit, this wine positions itself in the premium tier of Amarone della Valpolicella. It delivers complexity and aging potential that justify its placement among critically lauded expressions in the category.

Why David Sterza Amarone?

A 95-point score from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate places this 2016 vintage among the top-rated Amarone releases of its year. The wine is sourced entirely from hand-harvested fruit grown in the Lessini mountain foothills and aged 15 months in French oak — a measured aging regimen that preserves the dried-fruit intensity of the appassimento process while adding refined structure. As a small-estate bottling, it offers a level of specificity and terroir focus that larger Valpolicella producers rarely match. For anyone serious about Italian reds, this is a benchmark example of what artisanal Amarone can achieve.