Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva (Veneto, Italy) 2008

 This Riserva Amarone, aged three years in new oak barrels, is huge and massive and yet lean.  It is quite dry with only 4.3 grams per liter of residual sugar; high in alcohol at 16%; high in tannin that’s chalky and firm; and high in acidity.  The wine’s substantial structure is balanced by its intensity of fruit and concentrated texture.  Aromas and flavors include red and black cherries, red plum, pungent spices, anise, chocolate and tobacco.  Despite being twelve years old, this wine will reward serious aging.