Bussola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2013
The Bussola Amarone Classico Riserva 2023 is from Italy, specifically the Veneto region in the Valpolicella Classica subregion. The winery is a family run operation, now managed by Tommaso Bussola's sons, Paolo and Giuseppe. Tommaso Bussola, a former stonemason, took over his uncle's small domaine in 1977 and later drove a turning point in 1983 by personally selecting the grapes for Amarone and Recioto. The winery's philosophy emphasizes patience, innovation, and a deep respect for nature, aiming to make the best possible normale wines while selecting the best grapes for its elite 'TB' (Tommaso Bussola) line, which includes the Riserva.
Wine Description
This Riserva is a powerful, rich, and intense red wine. The wine's varietal composition typically consists of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, often in a blend of 45% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, and 25% Rondinella. The wine presents a rich, dark garnet red colour. The aroma is compact, offering notes of dried plum and porcini mushrooms, with an undercurrent of sandalwood. On the palate, it is described as elegant, soft, and robust, with fine tannins that dry the palate. Stylistically, it is powerful, almost baroque, and full of dried fruits and spices. Given the extensive maturation process—66 months in wood followed by two years in bottle before release—this wine is built with a substantial structure that promises excellent ageing potential, making the optimal drinking window very long. The winery is a participant in the SQNPI integrated farming program and practises organic viticulture, which aims to eliminate the use of herbicides and chemical pesticides.
Accolades
Enoteca Corsi - 97/100.
Falstaff - 92/100.
Food Pairing
The wine's bold structure and rich flavour profile make it an excellent match for equally robust dishes. Suggested pairings include elaborate main courses such as pheasant with walnuts and truffle or duck. It pairs wonderfully with braised meats and slow cooked stews. The wine's rich character is also complemented by aged cheeses like 36 month old Parmigiano Reggiano, Taleggio, or Pecorino di Fossa. For a regional pairing, it is classic alongside Risotto all'Amarone or fresh pasta with a duck ragu. Finally, for dessert, its richness can stand up to dark chocolate.
Vintage Quality
The 2023 vintage in the Valpolicella Classica zone was described as erratic and atypical, marked by cooler temperatures in spring, but persistent rain and localized hail in July. Harvest was slightly later than average for most growers. Rigorous selection of grapes was fundamental due to these challenging conditions, and the vintage is expected to favour Amarone over lighter Valpolicella. The Amarone wines from 2023 are tracking to be dense and generous in both alcohol and fruit, offering a rich structure with notable ageing potential.
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Description
The Bussola Amarone Classico Riserva 2023 is from Italy, specifically the Veneto region in the Valpolicella Classica subregion. The winery is a family run operation, now managed by Tommaso Bussola's sons, Paolo and Giuseppe. Tommaso Bussola, a former stonemason, took over his uncle's small domaine in 1977 and later drove a turning point in 1983 by personally selecting the grapes for Amarone and Recioto. The winery's philosophy emphasizes patience, innovation, and a deep respect for nature, aiming to make the best possible normale wines while selecting the best grapes for its elite 'TB' (Tommaso Bussola) line, which includes the Riserva.
Wine Description
This Riserva is a powerful, rich, and intense red wine. The wine's varietal composition typically consists of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, often in a blend of 45% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, and 25% Rondinella. The wine presents a rich, dark garnet red colour. The aroma is compact, offering notes of dried plum and porcini mushrooms, with an undercurrent of sandalwood. On the palate, it is described as elegant, soft, and robust, with fine tannins that dry the palate. Stylistically, it is powerful, almost baroque, and full of dried fruits and spices. Given the extensive maturation process—66 months in wood followed by two years in bottle before release—this wine is built with a substantial structure that promises excellent ageing potential, making the optimal drinking window very long. The winery is a participant in the SQNPI integrated farming program and practises organic viticulture, which aims to eliminate the use of herbicides and chemical pesticides.
Accolades
Enoteca Corsi - 97/100.
Falstaff - 92/100.
Food Pairing
The wine's bold structure and rich flavour profile make it an excellent match for equally robust dishes. Suggested pairings include elaborate main courses such as pheasant with walnuts and truffle or duck. It pairs wonderfully with braised meats and slow cooked stews. The wine's rich character is also complemented by aged cheeses like 36 month old Parmigiano Reggiano, Taleggio, or Pecorino di Fossa. For a regional pairing, it is classic alongside Risotto all'Amarone or fresh pasta with a duck ragu. Finally, for dessert, its richness can stand up to dark chocolate.
Vintage Quality
The 2023 vintage in the Valpolicella Classica zone was described as erratic and atypical, marked by cooler temperatures in spring, but persistent rain and localized hail in July. Harvest was slightly later than average for most growers. Rigorous selection of grapes was fundamental due to these challenging conditions, and the vintage is expected to favour Amarone over lighter Valpolicella. The Amarone wines from 2023 are tracking to be dense and generous in both alcohol and fruit, offering a rich structure with notable ageing potential.
