Produced by Monte Dall’Ora, a biodynamic estate in the Valpolicella Classica zone of Veneto, Stropa Amarone reflects the deeply artisanal philosophy of Carlo and Alessandra Venturini. The couple have become leading figures in the modern evolution of Valpolicella, championing a return to traditional farming and a low-intervention approach in a region historically associated with increasingly industrial production. Based in the hills west of Verona, they farm their vineyards according to biodynamic principles, treating the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem, with cover crops, biodiversity, and natural preparations used to promote soil vitality and vine balance. Their holdings are planted on classic Valpolicella Classica soils of limestone, basalt and clay, with hillside altitude and good ventilation playing a key role in maintaining freshness and health in the grapes.
The Venturinis are particularly known for their minimal-intervention philosophy in both vineyard and cellar, intervening only when necessary and favouring spontaneous fermentations, native yeasts and traditional large oak ageing. Their Amarone production respects the historic appassimento method, with carefully selected bunches of Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella dried slowly in well-ventilated lofts to concentrate flavour while preserving natural acidity and aromatic detail. In the cellar, fermentations are long and gentle, followed by ageing in large Slavonian oak casks rather than new barrique, allowing the wines to develop complexity without heavy oak imprint. The result is a style of Amarone that prioritises balance, drinkability and terroir expression over sheer power. Stropa 2016 shows this philosophy clearly, combining the depth and richness of dried fruit with freshness, tension and fine structure, making it both age-worthy and notably more elegant than many modern interpretations of the appellation.
