Tenuta Sant'Antonio Amarone Lilium Est Riserva 2010 is one of the great icons of Valpolicella: a rare, limited Riserva produced only in the best years. This Amarone is the flagship of Tenuta Sant’Antonio and demonstrates the ultimate potential of Corvina and its traditional blend partners. A wine for connoisseurs seeking depth, power, and refinement, with impressive aging potential.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Lilium Est 2010 displays a deep garnet color with a concentrated core and a light brick rim – a clear sign of its development and class. The nose is intense and layered: ripe cherries, dried plums, figs, and dates, surrounded by notes of dark chocolate, cocoa, licorice, tobacco, leather, and sweet spices such as cinnamon and clove. Subtle hints of balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, and a touch of espresso add extra complexity. On the palate, this Amarone is powerful and full-bodied, with a velvety texture and ripe, fine tannins. The taste opens broadly with dried red and black fruit, followed by nuances of raisins, black cherry liqueur, mocha, vanilla, and a savory touch of pepper and tobacco. The high concentration is beautifully balanced by fresh acidity, ensuring the wine never becomes heavy. The finish is very long, warm, and spicy, with persistent notes of cocoa and dried fruit. The 2010 is beautiful to drink now but—if stored well—has at least another 10 to 15 years of development potential.
Production
The grapes for Lilium Est Riserva come from high-altitude vineyards in the heart of Valpolicella (Veneto), on calcareous and volcanic soils that provide concentration, minerality, and freshness. The vines are old and yield very low harvests, which enhances the intensity in the wine. The harvest is performed entirely by hand, with a strict selection of only the best bunches. After harvesting, the grapes are slowly dried for several months in well-ventilated fruttai using the traditional appassimento method, allowing aromas and sugars to concentrate. Fermentation proceeds slowly, followed by a long aging period—typically several years—primarily in French oak barrels, which contributes to the refined structure, complexity, and great aging potential of this riserva.
Food & Serving
This Amarone Lilium Est Riserva 2010 calls for rich, pronounced dishes: beef or venison stews, game dishes, ossobuco, slow-cooked lamb, and robust grilled meat dishes. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses (such as Parmigiano Reggiano or aged Pecorino) and blue cheese, and can be served on its own or with pure dark chocolate as a meditation wine. Serve at 18–19 °C, preferably in large Burgundy or balloon-shaped glasses. Decant the wine 1.5 to 2 hours before serving so that it can fully open up and reveal its full aromatic complexity.
| Alcohol: | 16% |
| Volume: | 75cl |
