Lilium Est Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva 2008, Tenuta Sant Antonio

Inky ruby red, clear and consistent, its aroma is very intense, full and fine. Balsamic, almost iodine notes can be appreciated immediately, conveyed by the notable alcoholic strength.
These then give way to the characteristic aroma of ripe cherries, plums, small woodland berries; spicy aroma of star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, vanilla and ginger.
Tertiary aromas of cocoa, chocolate, goudron, almond, toasted hazelnuts and pipe tobacco. On the palate it is certainly dry, warm and soft, well supported by a notable acidity, richness
of flavour and rounded tannin content. Very persistent and fine balance. Certainly ready, a wine with strong shoulders that can stand the test of time.

With many of the historic Valpolicella producers residing on the western side of the denomination. Tenuta Sant’Antonio was founded in 1989 by four brothers: Armando, Tiziano, Paolo and Massimo Castagnedi, on the eastern side. Whilst initially this decision defied the status quo, today, several exciting and innovative producers have joined Tenuta Sant’Antonio in calling this area their home. The company has excelled in recent years, producing critically acclaimed Soave, Valpolicella and Amarone, alongside an innovative range of wines under the SCAIA brand.

Vinified in new open 500-litre casks of French oak. Harvest: double hand selection in trays.
Pressing: only first-pressing must without pressing. Raisining: 3 months. Fermentation:
natural alcoholic with hand punching-down for about 20/25 days in wooden barrels.
Malolactic fermentation: natural in 500 litre casks. Bâtonnage: once a week for the first year.
Stabilization: natural. Aged 3 years in new Bordeaux barrels of which the staves are dried
in the open for over 36 months. A further period of at least 4 years in a bottle is necessary
before being sold.