Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron 2011

Wine Spectator 94 points - A dense and smoky Amarone, with long, sculpted tannins and finely meshed flavors of baked black raspberry and forest floor, showing accents of citrus peel, dried fig and espresso. Silky on the palate, this should open nicely with air, while the length and harmony make the case for time in the cellar. Offers a long, spiced finish. Best from 2020 through 2030. 3,750 cases made. -AN.October/2017

Wine & Spirits 92 points - Notes of molten chocolate and black licorice lend a dark, brooding aspect to this wine’s plum and baked cherry fruit, those flavors amplified by four to six months of aging in cherry wood casks. Firm, granitic tannins keep the robust flavors in line while a hint of menthol brightens the finish..February/2018

Vinous 92 points - Very deep inky ruby, almost atypically so for this wine. Floral and almost opulent on the nose and in the mouth, boasting faded flowers, sweet cherry, blueberry nectar and sweet spice nuances. Finishes very smooth, long and floral with lingering hints of coffee. A very clean, well-balanced Vajo Armaron, but showcasing less of this wine’s usual Molinara and cherry wood features. At Serego Alighieri, they are fortunate to grow an especially high quality biotype of Molinara (the official name of which is in fact Molinara Serego Alighieri) that always adds a lovely note of spice and salt to this wine, but I don’t find much of either in this powerful, brooding 2011. (15.5% alcohol).Ian DAgata, May/2017

Wine Advocate 92 points - The inky black 2011 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron is a dark, deeply layered and sophisticated red wine. Do not underestimate the intensity of this wine. The aromas peel off slowly at first but quickly gain momentum. Dried blackberry, Spanish cedar, mahogany, campfire ash and barbecue smoke are delivered with carefully measured intensity. The mouthfeel is decisively firm and thick with a point of tannic astringency on the close. The finish is syrupy and savory at the same time..May/2017

From the Vaio Armaron vineyard, at Gargagnago in the commune of Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella. (The name "vaio” means little valley). Altitude 180-265 metres above sea level, exposure south-west.

The vineyard belongs to the Serègo Alighieri family, direct descendants of the poet Dante. Since 1353, when Dante’s son, Pietro, purchased the property in Gargagnago, the family has farmed the same vineyards over an uninterrupted span of twenty generations, thus making its mark on Verona’s vinicultural history.

The vitivinicultural and commercial revival of this estate is the result of the collaboration between Count Pieralvise di Serègo Alighieri and the Masi Technical Group. Vaio Armaron is unanimously recognised as the original vineyard for the production of Amarone. One accredited theory suggests that through linguistic corruption, today’s word Amarone, commonly used in Veronese enology, owes its derivation to the name of this vineyard.

Ideal with red meats, game, quail, roasts, and other richly-flavoured dishes. Excellent paired with aged and piquant cheeses (like parmesan, pecorino etc.). A noble after-dinner wine.