At a glance

Producer

Dal Forno Romano

Region

Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

Grape variety

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$300-$400

Tasting profile

Notes of black cherry, dark plum, licorice, dried herbs, with silky oak and spice; tannins noticeable but elegant

Evolution: Will develop more tertiary aromas like leather, tobacco, and forest floor over next 10+ years

At peak: Complex layered aromas with a harmonious balance of power and finesse

Structure

Acidity

Balanced and fresh, supporting longevity

Tannins

Firm and ripe, structured for long aging

Alcohol

High (~15.5%)

Aging potential

25-40 years from vintage due to concentration and producer quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2050

Optimal window

2018 to 2053

Current status

Approaching early maturity phase; showing complexity with some tannic grip still present

Current condition

Drinking well but benefits from further cellaring

Dal Forno Romano is among the most prestigious Amarone producers, crafting highly concentrated, opulent wines that age exceptionally well due to meticulous drying of grapes and extended aging in small oak barrels. The 2013 vintage benefited from ideal conditions yielding ripe fruit and structure, allowing this wine to evolve gracefully over at least 25-30 years.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, game dishes, aged cheeses, mushroom risotto, and strong flavors that can match intensity and tannins

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and open complex aromatics

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Sustainable farming with minimal intervention, focus on soil health, hand-harvesting, low yield viticulture; efficient use of oak barrels and aging resources

Dal Forno Romano employs traditional, labor-intensive Amarone production methods emphasizing vineyard care and quality. While lacking official certifications, their approach reduces synthetic inputs and emphasizes sustainable practices, though international shipping contributes to carbon output. There is room for improvement in energy use transparency and packaging sustainability.