1977 Bertani Amarone Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOCG

Ratings & Tasting Notes: None found. Cult Wines International Notes: The history of Bertani is synonymous with the evolution of Valpolicella, dating back to 1857 when brothers Giovan Battista and Gaetano Bertani established the winery in Verona with a vision to modernize Italian winemaking. They were early pioneers in the application of the appassimento method (drying grapes) to create wines of extraordinary structure and longevity. The 1977 vintage stands as a testament to the “Old World” style of Amarone, a time when the wine was still technically labeled as Recioto della Valpolicella Amarone—a nod to its origins as a wine that had fermented “to dryness” (amaro) from the traditional sweet Recioto. Throughout the 20th century, Bertani cemented its reputation as the benchmark for traditional Amarone, utilizing long aging periods in large Slavonian oak casks to achieve a complex, savory profile that remains unrivaled in its ability to age for decades. Important Label Clarification: Buyers should note that this historic 1977 release features the vintage-correct legal designation “Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Superiore” across the top of the label, with “Amarone” printed lower down. In 1977, Italian wine laws did not yet recognize Amarone as a standalone category, forcing it to be labeled under the official “Recioto” umbrella of the era. Despite the word Recioto on the label, this wine is completely bone-dry. Unlike a sweet Recioto dessert wine, this cuvée underwent a total fermentation where all natural sugars were completely converted, resulting in a classic, savory, and powerfully dry Amarone. The 1977 growing season in the Veneto was a year defined by its relative coolness, which stands in stark contrast to the warmer, high-alcohol vintages of the modern era. The spring was slow and damp, leading to a late flowering, and the summer remained temperate, allowing the Corvina and Rondinella grapes to develop slowly while retaining a high level of natural acidity and delicate aromatic precursors. This cooler season meant the harvest occurred later than usual, under ideal conditions that prevented rot and preserved the grapes’ structural integrity. The subsequent drying process, which took place in the traditional fruttaio (drying rooms), was exceptionally long and steady. This rare combination of a cool growing season and a slow, natural appassimento resulted in a 1977 Amarone of incredible finesse, high-toned acidity, and elegant, savory complexity, rather than the heavy, jammy richness found in hotter years. Bottle Size: 750 mL Storage History: Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar. Condition: Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold. Outstanding condition. https://cultwinesintl.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/03/CWI-LISTING-VID.mp4