At a glance

Producer

Speri

Region

Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy

Grape variety

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara (traditional Amarone blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Off-Dry

Typical price

$60-$90

Tasting profile

Concentrated dark cherry, dried plum, fig, candied orange peel, cocoa, tobacco, and subtle wood spice; powerful, plush texture; vibrant yet ripe structure.

Evolution: Will develop notes of leather, balsamic, dried flowers, roasted nuts, and autumnal earthiness as tannins resolve and fruit matures.

At peak: Refined tertiary complexity, harmonious integration of fruit, dried herbs, bitter chocolate, and signature Amarone richness.

Structure

Acidity

Vibrant; supports freshness and structure

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, excellent for long aging

Alcohol

Typically 15.5% ABV

Aging potential

Very high—25-30 years, especially in great vintages

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2031

Optimal window

2026 to 2031

Current status

Young and Cellar-worthy

Current condition

Structured, primary, with promising depth—suitable for aging or decanting for youthful enjoyment

2019 is a classic, balanced vintage with freshness and depth. Speri’s rigorous grape selection, traditional appassimento, and restrained oak aging yield a wine with outstanding longevity and layered elegance. Amarone from top crus like Sant'Urbano evolves gracefully over decades, with the best drinking emerging after 7-10 years, peaking over the next 12-15, and holding another decade at high plateau.

Food pairing

Braised venison or beef, wild boar ragu, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, duck with cherry sauce, black truffle risotto, lamb shank, or dark chocolate desserts.

Serving

Serving temperature

17-19°C / 63-66°F

Decant

Yes (2 hours) — Decanting opens up the youthful, concentrated bouquet and integrates tannins for early drinking; especially important in the first 5-7 years after release.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Manual harvest; organic viticulture without synthetic chemicals or herbicides; wild cover crops; solar energy in winery; local workforce; lightweight glass; recycled materials for packaging.

Speri is one of Valpolicella Classico’s historical reference estates. Certified organic across all vineyard parcels (including Sant’Urbano crus), they operate under low-intervention farming, promote soil health and biodiversity, use renewable energy, and pursue eco-friendly packaging. Active in regional sustainability initiatives, Speri’s carbon output is further mitigated by their avoidance of chemical fertilizers and focus on estate-local supply chains. While global shipping is the major source of remaining emissions, Speri’s holistic approach makes them an outstanding benchmark for sustainable Amarone.