Who makes it?

Musella Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva is just one of Tenuta Musella’s fine offerings. The Pasqua Di Bisceglie family produce a range of expressive wines using biodynamic principles. These wines carry the Demeter trademark, the mark for biodynamic certification since 2014. 

The family are outstanding ambassadors for biodynamic wines, and the Veneto region itself. Particularly winemaker Maddalena Pasqua di Bisceglie. The family's aim is to let the classic wines of Valpolicella tell their stories on their own terms around the world.

And why not? When done well, the wines of this region are exquisite. 

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How do they make it?

Amarone is a specialty of the Veneto region.  This Riserva is a blend of Corvina and Corvinone, Rondinella and a 10% inclusion of the darker, structural Oseleta. The region’s regulations state that at least 45% of these Amarone wines are either Corvina Veronese and/or Covinone. The blend here is usually around 85% of these grapes.

The grapes are semi-dried (Appassimento) losing a third of their water content.  This process then gives the grapes a higher concentration of sugars. This is especially important to produce a higher alcohol, rich texture, dry red wine. 

The wine then softens further in large oak barrels for at least 2 years. After bottling, the wine rests further for another year in bottle to meld together. To qualify for a Riserva, the wine must have four years ageing from November the 1^st of vintage before release.

For more information on how these wines are made, please read: The Italian red revival - It is not all cut & dried.

What does it taste like?

Amarone wines tend to be higher in alcohol. This one is no exception and consistently sits around 16% alcohol. Each vintage will have a different level of residual sugar, although the wine is still technically dry. For instance, in 2011, the wine had 7 grams of sugar. With the 2018 vintage, that residual sugar came in around 5 grams per litre.

This gives the wine a lush, plush and even texture. It is hardly surprising then when the wine shows its chocolately side. This Amarone really delivers a rich fruit treat with the added bonus of extra raisins, and warmed up with some vanilla and toasted oak. Of course, that is not all. There are plenty of cherrys and plums to keep the wine fresh as well. 

It is undeniable though that its warmth and its succulent tannins sit like velvet over a muscular frame. A big wine, but still elegant.

What to drink it with?

A wine like this should be enjoyed with slow cooked meat or a mushroom-rich dish.  Something robust.

Cheese

This is a natural pairing with salty blue cheese.

Quickie review « A bold, spicy, fruit and nut chocolate treat that wraps around your senses.»

Country of Origin:  Valpolicella DOCG, Italy
Tasting Date: May 2025
Price:  UK £53 | US$ 78++
Drink: now – 10+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

Want to know more about Musella and their wines, click below!
Winery Spotlight: Musella

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This was also published on winemusing.substack.