The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is made from 70% Corvina and Corvinone and 30% is a mix of indigenous grapes. The wine’s wood regime is mostly botte grande but a percentage is aged in French barrique for 18 months, resulting in extra spice and richness. Black fruit, dried fig, leather, tar, spicy tobacco and barbecue smoke emerge from the glass. The finish is powerful, dense and you definitely feel that 15.8% alcohol. Drink 2015-2022. Bolla shares a unique relationship with the American market. Bolla’s 1950 Amarone was the first Amarone sold in the United States and Bolla Soave was the quintessential cheap Italian white four or five decades ago. The successful brand has no doubt seen its share of corporate drama, going from Bolla family hands to American giant Brown-Forman back to Italian hands under Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV). Since 2008, Banfi Vintners was appointed Bolla’s exclusive importer for the United States and considerable investments were made. The people behind Bolla have always believed that Soave and Valpolicella would one day see a return to the limelight, and they were right. Bolla’s secret weapon is Director and Winemaker Christian Scrinzi, a notoriously hard worker, who has dedicated himself to turning the brand around. Every year I taste his wines, I notice slight increments in improved quality despite the large volume produced. Importer: Banfi Vintners, www.banfivintners.com.