Subtle aromatic hints, that range from black cherry, blueberry to chocolate, anticipate the opulent expression of mature fruit that flows into the mouth with inadvertent persistence. Nuances of truffle, tobacco and new leather wrap around the finish.

60% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta, 10% Croatina fermented in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of around 28°, which are equipped with a sophisticated computerised system which allows for automated punching for a period of around 15 days, including the final maceration which takes two days.

After decantation in the middle of January, the Amarone, which still contains some residual sugars, is placed into new barriques, where it begins a slow fermentation process which will last for a further 18 months. The total amount of time that it remains in the barriques is 36 months.

The final phase of the production process, which takes place once assembly of the barriques has finished and mass filtration has been obtained. The wine is bottled and left to age for a further 24 months before the final product is ready for sale.

Dal Forno Romano’s Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG “Monte Lodoletta” 2012 is a dense, modern-leaning Amarone built around meticulous raw material and long élevage. The estate farms about 25 hectares in Valpolicella, with a strong emphasis on low yields and rigorous selection; Decanter notes that “it takes nine vines to create one bottle” and details a three-month drying period prior to fermentation. The 2012 vintage itself was warm and dry in the region, making freshness and balance key points to watch in the finished wine.

Critics largely agree this is a powerful wine that keeps its composure. James Suckling delivers an excellent 97-point review, calling out “a decadent nose of treacle tart, chocolate, tar, [and] tons of black fruit,” followed by a palate that’s “explosive yet somehow so refined,” with a finish that “goes on and on.” Suckling suggested it would be “better to wait… into 2020,” underscoring its need for time despite early appeal.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also rates it an excellent 96 points, with Monica Larner describing it as “a beautifully complete wine” even young, emphasizing the “big surprise” of “fresh acidity… carefully safeguarded despite the heat of the vintage and the drying process.” She highlights “intricate fruit layering with cherry, blackberry, spice and mesquite,” and stresses that it “shows no sign of oxidation.”

Wine Spectator (95 points) frames it as “velvety” and “full-bodied,” “loaded with blackberry coulis [and] baked black cherry,” finishing firm and authoritative, “a powerhouse, with plenty in reserve,” best 2022–2032.

Vinous (96) captures the house style in one line: it “blends elegance with power,” staying “remarkably fresh” and “never… tiring,” even as it layers plum sauce, mint, mocha, and licorice. Overall, Monte Lodoletta 2012 is unabashedly rich, but repeatedly praised for precision, structure, and an unexpectedly bright through-line of acidity.