[Must-try for red wine lovers] What’s the difference between Pasqua Amarone Classic and Single Vineyard?
- Alcohood 酒舍
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
What is Amarone?
Amarone della Valpolicella (Amarone for short) is a very representative high-end red wine from the Veneto region of Italy. It is DOCG grade and is mainly made from three local grapes: Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara (Corvinone is sometimes used instead of Molinara). But the most unique thing is that Amarone uses a special brewing method called Appassimento (air-drying method) .
What is Appassimento?
After harvesting the grapes, the wine is not made immediately. Instead, the grapes are placed in a dry and ventilated room (called fruttai) to dry for 3 to 4 months . During this period, about 30% of the grape water will evaporate, and the sugar, fruity aroma, and structure will be naturally concentrated. After about January, the grapes will be pressed and then fermented into wine. Because the sugar content is so high, the fermentation time will be much longer than that of ordinary red wine, and the alcohol content will be higher, usually 15-16% .
Amarone Style
Full-bodied, layered wine
Aroma concentration: ripe fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, coffee, vanilla, tobacco
Round tannins, moderate acidity
It has strong aging ability, and some versions can be stored for more than 15-20 years.
All in all, Amarone is a work of art red wine made of patience and craftsmanship . It is highly collectible in terms of both drinking experience and aging value.
About Pasqua Family Winery
Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine was founded in 1925 by the Pasqua family and is located in the city of Verona in northern Italy, right in the heart of the Valpolicella district, the birthplace of Amarone. It started as a small local winemaking workshop. After three generations of hard work, it has become one of the most influential wineries in Italy and internationally, with its products exported to more than 65 countries.
International recognition
Many of Pasqua's wines, whether they are Amarone, Ripasso, or even Chardonnay series, have received high scores from international wine review organizations such as "Wine Enthusiast", "James Suckling", and "Gamboro Rosso". Especially for their Amarone series, Classic single-garden versions are released every year, making them a long-term repurchase choice for connoisseurs and restaurants.
Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 (Classic Edition)
This classic Amarone is like the face of the Pasqua winery, perfectly demonstrating the style that Amarone from the Valpolicella region should have: rich, balanced, and elegant.
🍇 Brewing details
Grape Varieties: Corvina 65%, Rondinella 25%, Corvinone 10%
The grapes are hand-picked in mid-September and air-dried using the classic Appassimento method for about 3 months , reducing moisture by 30%.
The fermentation period lasts for 25-30 days, followed by aging in French oak barrels for 18-20 months and bottle aging for at least 4 months.
👃 Aroma and taste
The aroma is mainly red currant, ripe cherries, dried fruits, vanilla, tobacco, and light cocoa.
The entrance is layered, the tannins are soft but supportive, and the aftertaste is sweet and fruity, very balanced
Alcohol content: 15% , but the acidity is strong enough and doesn’t feel bulky
🏅 Awards and recognition
Wine Enthusiast: 93 points
James Suckling: 92 points
ISWC International Wine Challenge: Gold Award
Veronelli Wine Guide: Three Gold Stars for Sure
Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella “Cascina San Vincenzo” 2018 Single Garden
Compared with the classic version, this Cascina San Vincenzo represents the winery’s respect for terroir and sustainable brewing concepts. The depth, layer and structure of the wine are one step higher.
🗺 Single Park Background
From the winery’s own single vineyard “Cascina San Vincenzo”, located on the slopes of Valpantena
The soil is clay + limestone , the altitude is about 350 meters, and the microclimate helps to increase the concentration of grape flavor.
We have been practicing organic farming for over 20 years and have been officially certified as organic in recent years.
🍇 Brewing details
Air-dried for about 3 months like the classic version, but because the vineyards are concentrated, the grape quality is more consistent
After fermentation, it undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged in French barrels for more than 20 months.
The alcohol content is the same at 15% , but the overall feeling is more delicate and complex.
👃 Aroma and taste
The aroma is Morallo cherry, dried blackberry, smoked leather, dark chocolate, vanilla bean pods
The structure is tighter, the tannins are more substantial, the acidity is slightly higher, the aftertaste is long, and the aftertaste is full of wild berries and minerals.
The wine is more concentrated and suitable for aging (over 15 years)
🏅 Awards and recognition
Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri
BioVino Gold Leaf Award – Gold Award for Organic Wine
Luca Maroni: 95 rating
Comparison of the two models
Indicators | Famiglia Pasqua Classic Edition | Cascina San Vincenzo Single Garden |
Drying period | About 3 months | About 3 months |
Maturity | 22–24 months, barrel + bottle | 22–24 months, barrel + bottle |
Grape Origin | Mixed Parks | Single garden, organic, hierarchical |
Aroma highlights | Redcurrant, cherry, cocoa, tobacco, vanilla | Cherry, Tobacco, Leather, Dark Chocolate, Wild Berry |
Structure | Balanced, silky denim | More substantial, with higher acidity and a longer aftertaste |
Awards/Ratings | 92–93 points, high score, three gold stars | Bio Gold Leaf, TreBicchieri Three Glass Awards, High Awards |
Summary
If this is your first time buying Amarone and you want to experience the charm of "dried grape" winemaking, the 2018 Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella Classic Edition is definitely a highly cost-effective choice. It is easy to drink and pretty enough, making it suitable for both gift giving and personal drinking.
But if you already like rich red wines, or you are looking for something that can be served with a long-lasting flavor and has an organic style, and you also want to highlight the holiday meal pairing, Cascina San Vincenzo single garden version is a further choice, with deeper flavor and higher style.
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