Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva 'Octavius' Fumanelli 2015

The grapes for Octavius come from Fumanelli's older vines which are aged on average 40 years old. It is a blend of 40% Corvina Veronese, 40% Corvinone & 20% Rondinella. Careful grape selection is the name of the game here before the grapes are left to dry for 120 days to concentrate the flavours. The wine is aged in 500 litre French oak tommeaux for 48 months followed by a further 12 months in bottle before release. The wine has started to take on a slightly brick red colour and is powerful yet elegant with wild cherry, sweet vanilla, nutmeg, mocha and an amazingly warm texture on the pallet. Sir Sean Connery was a fan!

Cantine Marchesi Fumanelli is a fascinating winery located in San Pietro In Cariano, eight miles away from Verona in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico region. Marquis Fumanelli started growing grapes back in 1470 and the villa, built in the 17^th century stills houses some lovely old archaeological artefacts from Roman times. The 78 acre estate is one of the regions oldest and most historic wineries and today, under the leadership of Armando Fumanelli combines its rich history with modern techniques to produce a range a truly brilliant wines. The cellars were restored in 1998 and now house the oak barrels for aging these amazing wines. Although Amarone is the star wine at the estate, it is the Valpolicella Classico and Ripasso which really deliver amazing quality for the price.