Fasoli Gino Alteo Amarone della Valpolicella – 2007

Fasoli Gino Alteo Amarone della Valpolicella 2007 is a full-bodied, organically produced Italian red wine bottled at 17% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This vintage earned 95 points from Italian critic Luca Maroni and was featured in Vivino’s 2018 Wine Style Awards for Italian Amarone, underscoring the quality of a winery that has practiced organic farming since 1984 and adopted biodynamic methods well ahead of most Valpolicella producers.
Quick Facts: ABV: 17%  |  Origin: Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy  |  Vintage: 2007  |  Producer: Fasoli Gino, Colognola ai Colli, Verona
Production & Heritage
Fasoli Gino operates from Colognola ai Colli in the eastern reaches of the Valpolicella zone, where the family has farmed organically since 1984 and integrated biodynamic and regenerative agriculture practices to strengthen soil vitality and restore ecosystem balance. The Alteo Amarone is produced using the classic appassimento method: Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes are naturally dried for approximately four months, concentrating sugars, aromatics, and structural compounds before fermentation. Following vinification, the wine matures for two years in Allier tonneaux and barriques, then spends an additional year in 20-hectoliter oak barrels and a further year resting in bottle prior to release — a patient four-year aging regimen that contributes to its layered complexity.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: The bouquet opens with concentrated dried plum and blackberry, followed by deeper waves of black pepper, coffee, and licorice. A warm undercurrent of vanilla and sweet tobacco rounds out a nose that signals both power and refinement.
Taste: The entry is rich and full, carrying ripe cherry, dried plum, and dark currant through a dense mid-palate. Cocoa, sweet baking spices, and a gentle balsamic touch build as the wine opens, while fine-grained tannins provide structure without harshness. The overall impression is smooth and layered, with the 17% alcohol well-integrated rather than hot.
Finish: Long and graceful, trailing hints of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and lingering leather. The spice and balsamic notes persist, rewarding patience between sips.
How to Drink Alteo Amarone 2007
A wine of this age and concentration is best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F) after decanting for 30 to 60 minutes, which allows the complex bouquet to fully unfold. Sipping neat in a large-bowled glass is the ideal approach to appreciate its depth. For those interested in wine-based drinks, the Alteo’s intensity holds up in a Chocolate Negroni Sbagliato, where its cocoa and spice notes complement the bittersweet profile; a classic Sangria Rossa built around its dried-fruit richness; or a sophisticated Mulled Wine during cooler months, where the existing spice character means fewer additions are needed.
Best For
Gifting a wine collector interested in aged Italian reds
Anchoring a special-occasion dinner alongside braised meats or risotto
Adding a mature Amarone to a vertical tasting or wine-club event
Pairing with a cheese course featuring aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Gorgonzola
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Alteo Amarone 2007 taste like? It delivers a rich, layered profile dominated by dried plum, ripe cherry, cocoa, and sweet spices, with underlying notes of coffee, leather, and a gentle balsamic touch. Fine tannins and 17% alcohol are well-balanced, resulting in a powerful yet smooth drinking experience.
How does Alteo Amarone compare to Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella? Both are respected Valpolicella Amarones built on Corvina-based blends, but Fasoli Gino distinguishes itself through certified organic and biodynamic farming practiced since 1984 and a longer four-year aging program including large oak. Allegrini’s Amarone tends toward a more modern, fruit-forward style, while the Alteo emphasizes earthy complexity and structure.
Is Alteo Amarone 2007 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its concentration, maturity, and fine tannin structure make it ideal for contemplative sipping after decanting. The 2007 vintage has had ample time to integrate, allowing the full spectrum of dried fruit, spice, and cocoa to emerge.
Where is Alteo Amarone made? It is produced by the Fasoli Gino winery in Colognola ai Colli, a commune within the province of Verona in Italy’s Veneto region, within the Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG appellation.
What foods pair well with Alteo Amarone 2007? Braised beef short ribs or osso buco match its weight and dried-fruit depth; aged Parmigiano Reggiano echoes the wine’s savory complexity; wild boar ragù with polenta complements its spice and tannin; risotto all’Amarone creates a harmonious regional pairing; and dark chocolate desserts mirror its cocoa and balsamic finish.
What sizes does Alteo Amarone come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.
Is Alteo Amarone 2007 worth the price? It positions as a premium Amarone backed by certified organic and biodynamic farming, extended oak aging, and strong critical recognition including 95 points from Luca Maroni. Within the broader Amarone category, it represents a compelling value for a mature, estate-produced bottling with verifiable environmental credentials.
Why Alteo Amarone 2007?
What separates this wine from the crowded Amarone field is the Fasoli Gino estate’s commitment to organic viticulture since 1984 — decades before sustainability became a marketing talking point in Valpolicella. The four-stage aging process, moving from small Allier barrels to large oak and then bottle, builds a textural complexity that younger, faster-released Amarones rarely achieve. Luca Maroni’s 95-point score and the Vivino 2018 Wine Style Award recognition for this vintage confirm that the meticulous approach translates directly to what’s in the glass. For anyone seeking an Amarone with genuine provenance, biodynamic integrity, and the additional dimension that over fifteen years of bottle age can deliver, the 2007 Alteo is a serious contender.