94 Points Vinous
The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is darkly alluring, with a seductive blend of black cherries and crushed violet candies giving way to a dusting of cocoa. This is silky smooth, nearly creamy yet lifted in feel, with ripe red fruits contrasted by a tinge of bitter balsamic spice. This tapers off with youthful tension, leaving a coating of grippy tannins that are nicely offset by a bump of residual acidity. There’s lovely balance within the 2019 that makes this an excellent option for the dinner table but will also promote aging. It clocks in at just 15% alcohol as well. Gorgeous.
 
93 Points James Suckling
Very tight on the nose, so give it a good swirl to bring out the bright red fruit, such as raspberries and red cherries, which are more immediately evident on the palate. Full and structured, with a youthful feel provided by the backbone of fresh tannin that is rather chewy but still allows the fresh fruit to flow. Drinkable even now at the dining table, but this is built to last and will enjoy a few years in the cellar.
 
Winemaker Note
Amarone della Valpolicella is the most prestigious red wine of Veneto, and the four brothers who started Tenuta Sant'Antonio dedicate their primary Amarone to their father, Antonio Castagnedi. The best grapes from different vineyards are selected for this wine and are brought to the winery's drying room to undergo the appassimento process. After at least 3 months of drying, the grapes have shriveled and lost much of their water, while retaining their sugar, flavor, and other components. Once fermented and aged in new barrels, the Amarone is a powerful wine, yet fruity, fresh, and clean.
 
Food Pairings
Pair this wine with savory first courses, seasoned with truffle, hare and game, red meats that are grilled, roasted or boiled, and mature cheeses.