Amarone Gioé – Santa Sofia – 2016

The wine Amarone Gioé from the Santa Sofia winery

The Amarone Gioé from the Santa Sofia winery is a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, typical of the area. The harvest is selective, focusing only on the best grapes, which are then dried for about 100 days to ensure a high concentration of sugars and aromas. Gioé represents the most authentic expression of the Valpolicella terroir, with particular attention to tradition and quality.

The Winemaking

The winemaking begins with the harvest of the grapes, which are carefully selected and then dried on racks for three to four months. This drying process allows for the concentration of flavours and sugars. Once the right degree of drying is achieved, the grapes are pressed; fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks; the wine ages in Slovenian oak barrels and 500-litre French oak tonneaux for about 42 months. After blending and bottling, the wine rests for at least another 4 years in the bottle; this process gives the wine complexity and depth.

Tasting the Amarone

Intense ruby red tending to garnet with ageing. On the nose, you can perceive complex aromas of ripe fruit, plums, and cherries in spirits mixing with spicy notes of chocolate and tobacco. The wine is full-bodied and well-structured on the palate, with soft and well-integrated tannins, elegant acidity, and a long, persistent finish. The richness of the bouquet and its complexity make it a wine for meditation.

Food Paring

The Amarone ‘Gioé’ pairs well with rich and structured dishes. It is ideal with red meats, such as braised dishes and roasts, but also goes well with game and aged cheeses; for bolder pairings, try it with dark chocolate desserts, which enhance its sweet and fruity notes.

THE AWARDS

2013
– Wine Entusiast 88/100
– Bibenda 5 grapes
– Luca Maroni 94/100