2019 Zyme - Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (750ml)

Zýmē was founded by Celestino Gaspari, a winemaker raised in the Val d'Illasi who later worked closely with Giuseppe Quintarelli, one of Valpolicella's most celebrated producers, and eventually became his son-in-law. In 1999, Gaspari converted a fifteenth-century sandstone quarry in San Pietro in Cariano into the modern winery that bears the name Zýmē, the ancient Greek word for yeast, a nod to the natural fermentation processes at the heart of his winemaking philosophy. The estate now farms thirty hectares in Negrar di Valpolicella using organic fertilization, hand pruning, and careful cluster thinning across some of its oldest vineyard parcels.

This Amarone is a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grown on limestone and clay soils. The grapes are harvested into shallow crates in late September and left to semi-dry naturally for at least three months without mechanical dehumidifiers, concentrating their sugars and flavors. After pressing in January, the wine ferments without added yeast in steel tanks and concrete vats, then macerates on the skins for over two months before aging in large Slavonian oak ovals for a minimum of five years.

The result is an intense, balsamic red with aromas of camphor, red and sour cherry, black pepper, and dried leaves. On the palate it is medium-bodied yet dense, with velvety tannins, crisp acidity, and a restrained, chalky finish. It suits aged cheeses, grilled or roasted meats, and dark chocolate.