Amarone Classico Cesari 2021: 50 Vintages of a Contemporary Soul
The Amarone Classico Cesari celebrates a landmark milestone: its 50th vintage. Presenting our Amarone 2021 is more than just releasing a new label; it is an act of honoring a journey that began in 1971: fifty years of history, vision, and dedication.
What we define today as our “Contemporary Soul” is the culmination of a path that started when Amarone was still a gamble for a few visionaries. It is a story shaped by commercial intuition, production challenges, and a constant stylistic evolution that has spanned half a century of Italian viticulture.
The origins in the 1970s: a bold choice
In the 1970s, the Italian wine scene was dominated by simple, everyday wines, and the international market was still in its infancy. In this landscape, Franco Cesari had the foresight to look beyond the popular production of Bardolino, focusing instead on the untapped potential of the Valpolicella hills.
The first vintage of Cesari Amarone dates back to 1971. At the time, it was officially classified as “Recioto della Valpolicella DOC Amarone.” This designation serves as a reminder that, technically, Amarone is born as a Recioto that continues its fermentation until it becomes dry. Choosing to champion this wine was the brand’s first true act of modernity.
An identity defined by elegance and design
Since its debut, Amarone Classico Cesari has stood out for a specific stylistic signature: the pursuit of elegance, silkiness, and longevity, intentionally moving away from the trend of overly “muscular” or heavy wines.
This identity was also sculpted into the wine’s physical form through pioneering packaging choices. From the original “S-neck” mold to the iconic frosted (satin-finish) bottle, every visual detail was designed to mirror the uniqueness of the wine within. The goal was clear: to create an unmistakable icon, capable of standing out on an increasingly crowded global stage.
Global success: from New York to the British Royal court
Franco Cesari’s vision found immediate resonance abroad. As early as 1973, one hundred cases of Amarone reached Lafayette Street in New York City, marking one of the very first steps for Amarone in the United States.
By the 1980s, the estate expanded into unexplored markets like Venezuela. However, it is in the United Kingdom where the story takes on a particularly prestigious note. Cesari was on the verge of receiving a Royal Warrant as a supplier to the British Royal Family. After successfully supplying the Royal household for two years—and receiving official commendations from the Queen in a letter we still proudly preserve—only the passing of the Queen Mother prevented the completion of the three-year period required for the official recognition.
Fifty years of evolution: between the vineyard and the cellar
Over the last half-century, markets, trends, and climates have shifted, yet our respect for the land has remained the cornerstone of every harvest. The 50 stories held within every vintage from 1971 to today are the result of a constant balance between tradition and adaptation.
Behind every bottle of Amarone Classico 2021 stands a lineage of enologists who have interpreted climatic shifts and technical advancements with mastery. Today, under the guidance of winemaker Michele Gamba, Cesari continues to look toward the future. Every sip of this 50th harvest is a tribute to the people and the daily choices that have made Cesari Amarone a timeless ambassador of Valpolicella.
Discover the Amarone Classico Cesari and the entire Cesari Classics range through an immersive tasting experience at our winery. Book your visit now.