A bottle of wine is the result of the synthesis of nature, soil, grapes, vineyards, tradition and years of dedication thrown into the art of winemaking by generations of families who ultimately distinguish themselves for the quality of the fruit of their labour.

The Allegrini family in Fumane di Valpolicella, in the northwest of Verona are here to stay in the sense that now it is the turn of the sixth generation of the family to produce the wine that has been acknowledged as a point of reference for the great renaissance of Valpolicella.

And the Allegrini’s wines are considered as unique interpretations of the region’s produce. Rather than an analytical presentation of data and percentages their wine fact sheets are real musical scores with rhythm, variations, colours and feelings.

This was the atmosphere at the launching of the Allegrini wine varieties which are being introduced in Malta by Anthony Cassar & Son. For this unique and special evening held at the Xara Palace in Mdina, Ms Marilisa Allegrini, director of marketing flew over to Malta to join an enjoyable evening where she shared her wine experiences from the Verona region with a number of distinguished guests. Ms Allegrini explained that one of the most important wines of the family, the Amarone, is the only dry wine made out of dried grapes which are from the native Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grape varieties.

These grapes are dried with the thousand-year-old technique of appassimento. After being harvested, the grapes are left to dry naturally for three to four months. During this period the grapes loose 40-45 per cent of their original weight. Vinification starts in January with the de-stalking and crushing of the grapes. It is then transferred into wood in March and matured for about 18 months. It is blended together for seven months and finally matured in bottle for another 14 months.

Amarone is an extremely important wine in Italian viticulture and an exclusive and unique symbol of the Valpolicella region. In the course of time the Allegrini winery has improved its production with the aim to best preserve the characteristics of the fruit and has established itself as one of the truest interpreters of its uniqueness. Amarone can age for 20 years.

Amarone is traditionally drunk with game, roasted and grilled meats, casseroles and well-matured cheeses. It is also excellent with hearty dishes. “Since the grapes are allowed to dry partially before fermenting, Amarone has a distinctive flavour which can also accompany new or exotic sweet and sour dishes. It is therefore also perfectly suited for drinking with Asian and Middle-eastern dishes,” explained Mr Jeremy Cassar, marketing manager.

Amarone has come to Malta at the right time. Romantic dinners accompanied by a moon light serenade, a different night out with family and friends can be regaled with Valpolicella’s special Amarone wine – a unique blend for a unique occasion.