The 2017 Novaia Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva "Vigneto Le Balze" is a highly structured, organic flagship wine that showcases exceptional depth, aromatic complexity, and long-term cellaring potential. Produced by the Azienda Agricola Novaia estate in the Marano valley, this single-vineyard Cru selection benefits from extended appassimento (grape drying) and long aging, resulting in a rich, velvety profile balanced by the fresh acidity typical of high-altitude Valpolicella vineyards.
Sensory Profile
Appearance: A deep, intense garnet red color in the glass.
Aroma: A highly expressive and rich nose. It leads with ripe red fruits, cherry jam, and dark plum. It develops tertiary layers of dark chocolate, tobacco, coffee, and exotic spices, alongside a classic touch of goudron (tar) brought on by aging.
Palate: Full-bodied, generous, and highly concentrated with an intense extract. The texture is distinctly velvety and smooth, backed by silky tannins. Flavors follow the nose with juicy cherry jam, almond, tobacco, and cocoa, culminating in a persistent, warming finish.
Alcohol Content: Robust, coming in at 16.5% ABV.
Winemaking & Tech Specs
Grape Blend: An organic blend consisting primarily of Corvina (50%), Corvinone (30%), and Rondinella (15%), rounded out with indigenous varieties like Oseleta and Turchetta.
Terroir: Sourced exclusively from the south/southeast-facing "Le Balze" hilly vineyard. The vines sit 280–300 meters above sea level on marl rocks interspersed with clay and limestone.
The Appassimento Process: Grapes are manually harvested in late September and dried naturally for approximately 100 to 120 days in a traditional hilly drying room (fruttaio).Aging Regimen: An extensive maturation period consisting of 32 to 36 months in oak barrels (barriques/wooden barrels), followed by an additional 8 to 12 months of refinement in the bottle prior to release.
The ideal serving temperature for the 2017 Novaia Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva is 16–18°C (61–64°F).
Pair the 2017 Novaia Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Vigneto Le Balze with rich, savory, and protein-heavy dishes. Its intense dried cherry, spice, and tobacco notes beautifully complement braised red meats, wild game, truffles, and aged cheeses.