The 2010 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Le Quare (40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone and 20% Rondinella) offers a steady, albeit not very exciting, interpretation of this great red wine from Northern Italy. The bouquet offers pulses of red fruit, dark spice and grilled herb that are characteristic of the indigenous grapes used here. Soft tannins help build momentum on the finish.

Gamba’s 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Le Quare is a pretty wine with the requisite aromas of dried fruit and exotic spice that make it an unquestionable part of the greater Amarone family. The style selected here includes soft touches of espresso bean, chocolate and dark cherry. It feels long and luscious with considerable heft and brawn on the close. Drink 2015-2022. Run by the three Aldrighetti brothers, Giovanni, Giuseppe and Martino, Gamba is an under-the-radar winery that has steadily been producing very nice wines under two distinct lines: Campedel and Le Quare. A new nine-hectare plot (with five already planted to Valpolicella Classico DOC vines) was recently purchased. The property is located 600 meters above sea level on Monte Solane in Fumane. It will be fascinating to see what kind of fruit comes out at that high elevation. Importer: Free Run Wine Merchants, www.freerunwinemerchants.com