Allegrini Palazzo della Torre: A Taste of Amarone for Less
Love Amarone but not the price tag? Palazzo della Torre is the answer. Allegrini call it their “baby Amarone”, and it gives you that rich, raisiny depth and big structure for a fraction of the cost. It is one of the most satisfying reds from Valpolicella.
Allegrini is one of the great names of Valpolicella. Giovanni Allegrini began bottling wines from the family vineyards in the 1960s, and his children went on to champion the local Corvina grape at a time when many producers were chasing international varieties. Franco Allegrini helped perfect the appassimento method of drying grapes and built the family’s Terre di Fumane drying centre. Today the estate farms 120 hectares in Valpolicella Classico.
What makes Palazzo della Torre special is the way it is made. Most of the grapes are pressed straight after harvest, while a portion is dried for several months to concentrate the flavours. The two are brought together later in the year, adding richness, raisin notes and extra body. The wine is then aged in second-use oak barriques.
The vineyard itself is a beauty: 26 hectares of terraced vines at 450–520 metres, held up by traditional dry-stone walls, on marly limestone soils. The altitude keeps the wine fresh despite all that richness.
In the glass, expect red berries, dried fruit and raisin, aromatic herbs, spice and a touch of vanilla. The palate is textured and vibrant, with polished tannins, good structure and a long, warming finish. Dry, rich and very moreish.
Palazzo della Torre Food Pairing Suggestion:
This is a fantastic match for slow-cooked beef or lamb ragù, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto or a hearty lasagne. It is also lovely with aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Monte Veronese.
About Allegrini Palazzo della Torre:
- Called a “baby Amarone” by the producer
- Made from a blend of fresh and dried grapes from the Palazzo della Torre vineyard
- Aged in second-use oak barriques, then bottle-aged before release
- Terraced vineyard at 450–520 metres on marly limestone
Palazzo della Torre Awards:
- 2022: James Suckling – 92 Points
- 2022: Falstaff – 92 Points
- 2022: Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
- 2021: Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points
- 2021: Wine Spectator – 90 Points
Reviews
There are no reviews yet